Capturing of Exhaust Gases with the Purpose of Treatment Media Modification

Hydraulic fracturing and acid treatments have become essential tools in reservoir engineering. These processes require high-pressure pumps, typically powered with internal combustion engines, which generate significant emissions. A potential solution is to capture these emissions and use them to create foam or energized fluids for injection, reducing environmental impact and optimizing operations. This article outlines five methods for capturing exhaust gases generated during hydraulic fracturing and acid treatments. By directly injecting these gases, without prior separation, into the formation as a part of treatment slurry, we can create energized or foamed fluids without the need for additional gas processing infrastructure. This approach not only eliminates the requirement for a separate gas separation facility but also sequesters all types of gaseous emissions. Ultimately, this integrated strategy significantly reduces the environmental impact of these essential reservoir stimulation techniques. This innovative approach proposes a novel application for exhaust gases generated by internal combustion engines used in subterranean formation treatments. Applicable to a broad spectrum of operations, including hydraulic fracturing and acidizing, the method involves directly injecting these gases into the treatment fluid. This process can produce energized fluids with foam quality ranging from 20 to 50 percent, depending on pumping and in-situ conditions, without the need for additional liquid nitrogen or carbon dioxide. Moreover, the technique offers a promising solution for eliminating various gaseous pollutants, such as NOx, CO, and residual hydrocarbons, from the environment by sequestering them underground. While potential risks, including the impact of exhaust oxidants on treatment fluids, warrant careful consideration, the method holds significant promise for a wide range of applications, including geothermal, lithium, and water injection wells stimulation.