Characterization of Friction Reducer Properties in Oil-Field Operations

Friction reducers are essential additives used to economically achieve the high pumping rates required for slickwater fracturing. Decreased friction reducer performance in high-TDS brines has been a major challenge for reusing produced water in hydraulic fracturing. Little work has been done to identify the specific parameters that affect polymeric friction reduction. This research uses friction flow loop experiments to characterize the performance of partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide friction reducers in conditions relevant to the oil field. Polymer concentration and degree of hydrolysis effects on friction reduction are evaluated in the ranges of 0.25-2 gpt and 0-30%, respectively. The decrease in friction reducer performance is measured in brines up to 120,000 mg/L TDS with varying multivalent cation concentrations. The friction reducer interactions with Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Fe3+, and Al 3+ ions are individually assessed. The results are compared to experiments with a commercial friction reducer, and used to propose an empirical model to predict friction reducer performance based on water composition.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Engineering

Grantor

Rice University

Year dc:date.issued

2015

Author dc:creator

• Bolanos Ellis, Valerie

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Tomson, Mason B.

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Alvarez, Pedro
• Bedient, Philip
• Tomson , Ross

• Friction Reducer
• Drag Reducers
• Slickwater Fracturing
• Friction Reduction Degradation
• Produced Water

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise indicated. Permission to reuse, publish, or reproduce the work beyond the bounds of fair use or other exemptions to copyright law must be obtained from the copyright holder.

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/1911/87709

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.rice.edu:1911/87709