The prospects for the use of alternative gel formers for hydraulic fracturing

The article discusses the relevance of using alternative gel-forming agents in the preparation of fracturing fluids for hydraulic fracturing (HF). Besides the obvious tasks, such as increasing the residual conductivity of the fractures created during stimulation, it also addresses the impact of alternative gelforming agents on the treatment process. The author, supported by field data, concludes that under otherwise equal conditions, replacing traditional fracturing fluids with alternative ones significantly reduces frictional pressure losses in the pipes, which is particularly important when treating deep and extensive horizontal wells with limited internal pipe diameters. Moreover, the aforementioned impact of gel-forming agents on frictional pressure losses allows for a reserve of power in the hydraulic fracturing fleet equipment. Consequently, the treatment can be performed with higher flow rates under otherwise equal conditions, without the need for additional high-pressure pumps or the deployment of more expensive, stronger, larger-diameter tubing. Another important conclusion reached by the author is that due to the specific properties of alternative fracturing fluids, their ability to transport and retain proppant is significantly increased. This property of fracturing fluids is especially important when treating low-permeability, fractured formations and during the stimulation of long horizontal wells. On the other hand, the use of alternative gel-forming agents raises the requirements for the controlled breakdown of fracturing fluids, complicating the task of selecting a rational formulation and necessitating additional research.