Laboratory work has been performed and a mathematical model formulated to describe the time, temperature, and shear effects on hydrating gels produced from natural guar-based concentrated liquid gelling agents. This same model has been applied to field scale fracturing equipment and allows the prediction of viscosity development at any point in the system. This mathematical model can be a valuable tool to equipment and job designers. The model allows the designer to determine the most feasible means of producing a desired viscosity by predicting the combined effects of time, temperature, and shear on hydrating gel.

Keywords:
coefficient, dependency, hydraulic fracturing, hydration coefficient, power input, static hydration coefficient, viscosity, gel, society of petroleum engineers, optimization
Subjects:
Hydraulic Fracturing, Fracturing materials (fluids, proppant)
Copyright 1991, Society of Petroleum Engineers
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