Intelligent Liquid-Solid Proppant Fracturing with Water Shutoff Optimization Technology

Abstract This study explores the integration of Intelligent Liquid-Solid Proppant Fracturing with Water Shutoff Optimization (WSO) Technology to enhance oil recovery and address excessive water production. The focus is on optimizing fracture propagation, improving reservoir utilization, and minimizing environmental impact while achieving long-term stable production in unconventional reservoirs. The approach employs liquid-solid proppants with advanced fracture monitoring and control systems to create high-conductivity fractures. The WSO technology leverages diagnostic tools to identify water-producing zones and applies targeted treatments to shut off water pathways. Field data, simulations, and experimental analysis are used to evaluate the performance of the integrated process. The resin (or resin-curing agent mixture) dispersion system matures through a slow coalescence process, during which the particles progressively solidify. The curing and dispersion systems are designed to achieve liquid-to-solid conversion. The resin is initially dispersed in the form of small droplets, which then coalesce, leading to increased strength. This process ultimately produces proppants with the desired particle size and strength, ranging from 100 mesh to 16 mesh, depending on specific requirements. Additionally, the liquid-to-solid conversion can be completed within subsurface fractures in the reservoir. The combination of intelligent liquid-solid proppant fracturing and WSO demonstrated significant improvements in hydrocarbon recovery, with reduced water cut and optimized reservoir pressure maintenance. Observations confirmed more effective fracture conductivity and enhanced reservoir energy efficiency. These results validate the technology's ability to achieve cost-effective, sustainable production while mitigating water-related challenges. According to laboratory tests, the crushing rate of the solid proppant formed under formation pressure is only 1.6%. At the same time, the resin proppant has a water-blocking effect. Under the condition of oil and water in the same layer, the backflow capacity of water is 1/50 of that of oil. This technology introduces a synergistic approach that integrates intelligent proppants and precise water control strategies. The methodology not only enhances reservoir stimulation efficiency but also addresses one of the most persistent challenges in unconventional reservoirs: excessive water production. This innovation provides a scalable solution for improving production economics and environmental sustainability in tight oil and gas developments.