Abstract
This paper covers the research, development, and field application of a cost-effective, on-the-fly chemical additive that reduces proppant flowback during well production. Laboratory tests and field results, showing the effect this chemical additive has on proppant flowback, are examined.
Previous proppant flowback prevention methods are reviewed. Laboratory tests that were performed to ensure effective on-the-fly coating in the blender tub, as well as the ability to control proppant flowback, are also analyzed. A review of fracturing treatments performed in wells utilizing the proppant flowback control additive (PFCA) is provided. Post-fracture treatment proppant flowback and production results are compared to direct offset wells using conventional proppants. Fracturing treatment designs, formation characteristics, and proppant types are presented.
Laboratory proppant flow tests show PFCA-treated proppant can withstand a much higher critical flow rate than uncoated fracturing sand. Unconfined compressive strength tests indicate that proppant is coated efficiently in the blender tub, enabling effective consolidation at downhole conditions. The results of laboratory tests are used to explain and support the field case studies. The field case studies show that use of PFCA significantly reduces proppant flowback and typically results in higher hydrocarbon production when compared to conventional proppants used in offset wells.
With completion designs moving to finer mesh size proppant and higher proppant loadings per lateral foot, operators are increasing spending to deal with higher amounts of proppant flowback. This paper introduces an important technology that is an economically viable and beneficial substitute for traditional proppant flowback prevention methods.
