Paper: Improved High Viscosity Oil-Base Fracturing Fluids

Hydraulic fracturing as a well stimulation technique has been in widespread usage since its introduction to the oil industry in 1948. Lease oil was used predominantly as the fracturing fluid for the first decade. Technical advancement in developing surfactants, friction reducers, and effective gelling agents stimulated greater interest in water frac as early as 1958 and increased its popularity. Today approximately 60% of all fracturing jobs are performed with water-base fracturing fluids. During the past two years, the economic structure of the oil industry has dictated that close attention be given to development costs. Again, lease oil comes to the forefront; it offers the advantage of being economical, provides for rapid clean-up of the well, is compatible with well fluids, and will not damage formation due to clay swelling. New technical developments in gelling or complexing oil-based fracturing fluids strengthen the choice of operators, as evidenced in the strong comeback of oil-based fluids, Some of these new technical advances offer the following: 1. Friction reduction of oil equal to or better than that of gelled water 2. High viscosity for wider fractures 3. Deeper placement of proppants 4. Ample viscosity to carry larger mesh and high concentrations of proppants. TWO of the newest concepts in oil-base hydraulic fracturing technique are offered to the oil industry in the following systems: 1. ALLO-FRAC 2. .OILBASE ULTRA FRAC (OBUF)