Abstract
Using solid particulate additives is becoming difficult because of strict health, safety, and environmental (HSE) concerns and green operation initiatives taken by operators. When solid particulates are used as additives for downhole treatments, they are generally batch-mixed into the gelled fluid as long as the viscosity of the fluid is sufficient to prevent settling of the particles. It is possible that solid particles could settle and block the blending equipment; hence, an additional blender is required at location to mix such solid additives so that the main or primary blender remains functional throughout the job for subsequent mixing of other treatment fluids. Using the additional blender requires additional logistics, man power, and associated costs to the operator. Therefore, it is usually recommended to use liquid additives in the field to help avoid problems associated with using solids and related additional equipment issues.
This paper describes the systematic approach used for the development of a non-aqueous suspension fluid for suspending varied-sized (8 to 40 mesh; ~2400 to ~400 μ particles of a particulate diverter with a specific gravity of 1.29 g/cm3. The developed suspension is stable at ambient temperatures for more than 30 days. It remains free flowing for more than 30 days, even at 40°F, and the solid particles do not settle, even at slightly higher temperatures, such as 100°F. The chemical score index (CSI) of the formulation is 120, which shows that the suspension is environmentally acceptable. Performance of the suspension was evaluated through core flow experiments with brown sandstone core samples, which indicated that the fluid containing the newly developed suspension of the diverter particles did not cause formation damage to the samples used.