Patent ID: 11072739

Abstract:
Systems and methods include using a fracture fluid downhole for fracturing a formation. The method includes providing an aqueous solution comprising dissolved solids at a certain ionic strength, and adding a proppant to create a fracture fluid. The method continues by adding a polymeric additive and a surfactant to the fracture fluid, wherein the polymeric additive comprises friction reducing capabilities that can be decreased by the ionic strength present in the fracture fluid (i.e., ionic strength originally found in the water). The addition of the polymeric additive and the surfactant to the fracture fluid creates an enhanced fracture fluid, wherein the surfactant increases the performance of the friction reducing capabilities of the polymeric additive in the enhanced fracture fluid, which provides a more efficient fracturing operation. The method concludes by pumping the enhanced fracture fluid downhole for a more efficient fracture of the formation.