Application of Endothermic Fluids to Lower the Breakdown Pressure of Unconventional Reservoirs: Implications for Hydraulic Fracturing

Unconventional hydrocarbon reservoirs are challenging media to exploit and develop for energy due to very low permeability. As such, unconventional means, such as horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing, are typically practiced. During hydraulic fracturing, the formation breakdown pressure is of great importance and determines the fluid pumping cost. Less attention has been given to breakdown pressure reduction for a cost-effective and enhanced hydraulic fracturing operation. The objective of this study is to explore the application of thermochemical fluids to induce thermal shock with the purpose of generating microcracks and reducing the breakdown pressure in high-temperature unconventional reservoirs. For this, thermochemical fluids of an endothermic nature (reduces the temperature when mixed) and Kentucky Sandstone and Eagle Ford Shale were utilized. In particular, we investigated the effect of endothermic reactions between ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) on the strength and breakdown pressure of both samples by applying multiple cycle treatments. The obtained results indicated a significant reduction in both the strength and breakdown pressure of the rocks, with Kentucky Sandstone showing a reduction of 53.07% and Eagle Ford Shale by 34.71% in breakdown pressure. This novel approach not only provides a promising alternative to traditional fracturing methods in high-temperature reservoirs but also could bring a significant reduction in fluid pumping requirements as well as the operational cost of hydraulic fracturing.