Title | A Three Dimensional Compositional Model for Hydraulic Fracturing with Energized Fluids |
Publication Type | Conference Paper |
Year of Publication | 2013 |
Authors | Ribeiro, L. H., and M. M. Sharma |
Conference Name | 47th US Rock Mechanics/Geomechanics Symposium |
Date Published | 06/2013 |
Publisher | American Rock Mechanics Association |
Conference Location | San Francisco, California, U.S.A., June 23-26, 2013 |
ISBN Number | 978-0-9894844-0-4 |
Other Numbers | ARMA 1 3 - 409 |
Abstract | While several three-dimensional (3-D) fracturing models exist for incompressible water-based fluids, none are able to capture the thermal and compositional effects that are important when using energized fluids such as CO2, N2, LPG, and foams. This paper introduces a new 3-D, compositional, non-isothermal, fracturing model designed for compressible fracturing fluids. The model predicts changes in fluid temperature, density, and composition. The model is capable of handling any multi-component mixture of fluids and chemicals. The simulator is validated for traditional fluid formulations against known analytical solutions, and against a well-established commercial fracturing simulator. Results from the new simulator are then presented for energized fluids such as CO2 and LPG. The simulator constitutes a new tool to quantify the potential benefits introduced by energizing the fracturing fluid, which is critical when selecting fracturing fluid candidates. |