Advancing Hydraulic Fracturing Fluids with Ascorbic Acid: A Green and Multifunctional Approach

Area of Science:

• Petroleum Engineering
• Materials Science
• Green Chemistry

Background:

• High-temperature fracturing fluid stability is crucial for exploring unconventional reservoirs.
• Monomer-to-monomer bonds in fracturing fluids are susceptible to oxygen radical degradation.
• Conventional oxygen scavengers pose risks like H2S generation and formation damage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate l-ascorbic acid (AA) as a green, multifunctional alternative for high-temperature fracturing fluids.
• To assess AA's impact on fluid stability, cross-linking, and formation damage.

Main Methods:

• High-pressure/high-temperature (HPHT) rheometer tests on Carboxymethylhydroxypropyl guar (CMHPG) fluids at 250-300 °F.
• Zeta potential and coreflood tests to evaluate formation damage.
• Analysis of AA's antioxidative properties, pH effects, and cross-linking delay capabilities.

Main Results:

• AA effectively reduced pH and delayed cross-linking in CMHPG fluids.
• Fracturing fluid stability was significantly enhanced under high-temperature conditions.
• AA stabilized clay dispersions, minimizing fines migration and reducing formation damage.

Conclusions:

• L-ascorbic acid is a cost-effective and sustainable additive for high-temperature fracturing applications.
• AA improves fracturing fluid performance and addresses challenges associated with conventional stabilizers.
• The use of AA offers a viable alternative for enhancing well productivity in challenging formations.