Why do friction reducers use polymers?
Friction reducers (FR) work by dissipating eddies formed in turbulent flow near the casing wall, thereby minimizing friction. Operators and pressure pumping companies rely on FRs to enable using higher pump rates without compromising wellbore integrity during hydraulic fracturing operations.
There are plenty of FR options on the market to choose from. The most common types of FR use water-soluble polymers, based on polyacrylamide (PAM) chemistry to reduce pipe friction in turbulent flow.
Why is less polymer better?
Sending large amounts of polymer downhole can be problematic in two main ways.
Polymer residue: When too much polymer is used, some of it can remain trapped in the rock and proppant pack during well recovery after fracturing. This residue can restrict the flow of oil and gas from the formation to the wellbore.
Formation Plugging: Excessive polymer concentration can also lead to plugging of the formation itself. The microscopic pores in the rock normally loaded with reservoir fluids can become clogged with the polymer, hindering hydrocarbon flow.
In short, overtreating with polymers can hinder oil and gas production rather than enhance it.
How does AquaBourne™ solve this problem?
AquaBourne is Innospec’s latest, patented water-based friction reducer. It’s the first of its kind to truly address the needs of operators with a wide range of benefits. The water-based slurry is composed of an anionic polyacrylamide providing excellent dispersion and rapid hydration when added to fresh, moderate, or high TDS brine frac waters,
At lower loads, AquaBourne provides efficient friction reduction with less polymer. This means less downhole damage.
Accomplishing more with less
In a recent field trial using equal polymer concentrations, AquaBourne substantially outperformed conventional FR. These findings demonstrate that AquaBourne enables operators to use less polymer to achieve the same friction reducing properties. With less polymer sent downhole, reduces concerns of formation and proppant pack damage.
Ready to order?
Contact us today to discuss your slick-water fracturing and what you need from a friction reducer. AquaBourne will help you reach your efficiency goals. We are easy to do business with so contact us today to get your quote.
We’d also be happy to discuss our full range of friction reducers.
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