Development and Characterization of Novel Foam Based Fracturing Fluid for Unconventional Reservoirs

Demand for the development of foam based fracturing fluids for unconventional reservoirs is ever increasing because of its less water requirement, high performance for proppant carrying and non-damaging characteristics. The objectives of the study was to investigate the potential of silica nanoparticles to stabilize the foam under high-temperature conditions and exhibit the improved capacity to suspend proppant for hydraulic fracturing. In this present study, the foam based fluids with surfactant (Sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonates) were prepared and stabilized with synergistic effects of polymers (xanthan gum) and dispersed silica nanoparticles. The half-life time of foam was found to be a strong function of foam thermal stability. Static and dynamic rheology study showed the enhancement of viscoelasticity and apparent viscosity with the combined effect of xanthan gum and silica nanoparticles. The results indicates that the SiO2 nanoparticles exhibits a synergistic effect in terms of foam stability and rheology, which improves the proppant suspension capabilities.