A complementary method of assessing clay stabilisers used in hydraulic fracturing applications
Jeff Dupont A B , Jeff Dawson A and Richard Mitchell AA Innospec Oilfield Services, 2600 Technology Forest Boulevard, The Woodlands, TX 77381, United States.
B Corresponding author. Email: Jeff.Dupont@innospecinc.com
The APPEA Journal 61(1) 83-88 https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ20192
Submitted: 18 December 2020 Accepted: 22 March 2021 Published: 2 July 2021
Abstract
Reservoirs with clays that swell or migrate can potentially impair production (Johnson 1952; Nasr-El-Din et al. 1999). When these clays are present, it is advantageous to use clay stabilisers to mitigate this damage potential (Fink 2011). The oil and gas drilling and hydraulic fracturing industry has adopted several clay assessment methods including analytical procedures such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and performance testing methods such as capillary suction test (CST) and the roller oven test. This paper describes a new performance test method for inhibitors used in shale reservoirs that complements the existing methods such as XRD and CST. A modified core flow method has been developed using unconsolidated core material that mimics a fracture network and indirectly measures the clay swelling and migration potential. In this procedure, a packed column composed of tightly sized shale material is used to simulate an infinite fracture network. Treatment fluids are then pumped through the column at constant rate while measuring pressure drop. The relative pressure change, together with the turbidity of the effluent, allows easy assessment of the clay stabiliser.
Keywords: bentonite, capillary suction testing (CST), clay stabiliser, clay swelling, clays, fines migration, hydraulic fracture, sand.
Jeff Dupont graduated with a BSc Chemistry from the University of Cincinnati with specialisation in organic chemistry, synthesis, R&D, product development, and formula design. Jeff’s previous experience includes 24 years in developing new surfactant and polymer technologies with Procter & Gamble in Cincinnati, Ohio, working on products such as Tide laundry detergent, Downy fabric softener, Swiffer, Febreze, and Dawn dishwashing liquid. Significant time spent in synthesis of new polymers and surfactants. In the last 6 years, with Innospec Oilfield Services he has developed new products for the oilfield industry. Innovations include new flowback aids, improved friction reducer products, high performance water based drilling mud systems, clay and shale stabilisers, and new test methods. Jeff holds over 40 patents worldwide. |
Jeff Dawson has a Master’s degree in Chemistry from Oklahoma State University. With over 40 years of service in the oil and gas industry, Jeff has been instrumental in developing innovative chemical solutions and applications for hydraulic fracturing, acidising, and drilling. Before joining Innospec in 2014, he held several positions ranging from product development, technical services to R&D manager for Dresser Titan, FTSI, BJ Services, and Independence Oilfield Chemicals. Jeff holds over 45 US patents. |
Richard Mitchell graduated from Jacinto College in Pasadena, Texas with BEng in Chemical Engineering. Richard has been involved in the oil and gas industry for over 23 years. He has been with a variety of projects including design of Divert Frac plugs for near and far field divert systems, clay stabilisers, water-based drilling fluids, and lubricants for coefficient of friction lubricity. Richard currently holds two US patents: co-inventor of stabilising emulsified acids for carbonate acidising and water sensitive porous medium to control downhole water production. |
References
Fink, J. K. (2011). ‘Petroleum Engineer’s Guide to Oil Field Chemicals and Fluids.’ (Gulf Professional Publishing.)Johnston, N. (1952). Role of clay in oil reservoirs. Clays and Clay Minerals 1, 306–313.
| Role of clay in oil reservoirs.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Nasr-El-Din, H. A., Al-Mulhem, A. A., and Lynn, J. D. (1999). Evaluation of clay stabilizers for a sandstone field in central Saudi Arabia. SPE Production & Facilities 14, 253–259.
| Evaluation of clay stabilizers for a sandstone field in central Saudi Arabia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
