Evaluation of the Fracturing Performance of a Steering-Type Temporary Plugging Agent

Abstract With the advancement of unconventional oil and gas resource development, the limitations of conventional hydraulic-fracturing technologies in complex reservoirs, especially regarding recovery efficiency, have become increasingly apparent. Consequently, diversion fracturing has attracted increasing interest because it can dynamically control fracture propagation and optimize fracture network development. In this study, we designed and systematically evaluated a novel, multicomponent temporary plugging agent (TPA) composed of particles, powders, and fibers. The TPA exhibited outstanding plugging performance and favorable dissolution characteristics. We comprehensively investigated its performance mechanisms and diversion effectiveness through laboratory compressive-strength tests, solubility analyses, numerical simulations, and physical modeling experiments. Experimental results revealed that the TPA attained a maximum compressive strength of 44.24 MPa. Under simulated reservoir conditions at 70–80 °C, the TPA achieved a maximum expansion ratio of 166.8% and a dissolution rate of up to 94.1%, effectively fulfilling the dual requirements of diversion plugging and subsequent flow-channel restoration. Numerical simulations demonstrated the TPA's ability to form plugging zones within fractures and redirect fracture propagation, thereby generating more complex fracture networks. Physical modeling further demonstrated that the TPA effectively induced fracture growth along directions deviating from the principal stress orientation, producing multidirectional and intricate fracture patterns. Overall, the multicomponent TPA developed in this study exhibited excellent mechanical properties, dissolution performance, and fracture-guiding capabilities, highlighting its broad application potential in complex reservoir stimulation.