(28c) Using Polymer Elasticity to Scale up Lab Characteristics to Field Applications of Friction Reducers | AIChE

(28c) Using Polymer Elasticity to Scale up Lab Characteristics to Field Applications of Friction Reducers

Authors 

Gomaa, A. M. - Presenter, Baker Hughes
Zhou, J. - Presenter, Baker Hughes
Sun, H. - Presenter, Baker Hughes
Qu, Q. - Presenter, Baker Hughes


In order to improve our ability to predict the behavior of the drag-reducing polymers used in slickwater fracture treatments, a better understanding of the polymer elastic characteristics should be conducted. Elasticity of the polymer at turbulent conditions forces the near-wall vortical structures to become weaker, thicker, longer, and fewer. This significantly reduces the frictional drag of the solution. Therefore, elasticity of the polymer should be taken in consideration when scaling up the lab results to the field data.

     Two types of polymer were used at concentration range from 0.5 to 1 gpt. A coiled tubing setup (ID: 0.18 - 0.43 inch) and straight tubes (ID: 0.67 - 1.16 inch) were used to provide the lab data. An oscillatory rheometer was used to measure the elastic and viscous properties.

     This paper presents a new model to scale up the friction pressure drop based on polymer relaxation time, pipe diameter, and velocity. Field data was used to support the new model and an average error of 0.045 psi/ft was observed. Also, a new parameter was introduced to eliminate the coiled tubes’ curvature effect and allow it to predict the field data directly.

     Experimental results show that elastic and viscous moduli increased by increasing the polymer concentration; however, relaxation time was independent of the polymer concentration. This led to no significant effect on the pressure drop reduction at different polymer concentrations. The elastic modulus of the polymer solution was increased by increasing the shear rate. Therefore, at the same diameter, a higher pressure drop reduction was obtained by increasing the injection rate. Combining lab small scale and this model provided a reasonable prediction for field friction pressure drop.

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