(90b) A New Two Part Friction Reducer System Enables Lower FR Concentration and Allows up to 100% Reuse of Produced Water – Mechanisms and Case Study from the Marcellus Shale

Friction reducers (FRs) are an important component of slickwater hydraulic fracturing applications. Using only a single FR system throughout the entire treatment is highly desired in water sources of salinity varying up to 300,000 ppm. This paper discusses the working mechanisms and field trials of a new salt-tolerant FR system in the Marcellus shale.

A three-well trial program was initiated in the Marcellus. Multiple water sources with varying salinities were used with up to 100% reuse of produced water. The new FR system enabled the pumping pressure to be reduced below 8,500 psi, and the pumping rates were increased and maintained at approximately 100 bbl/min.

This new salt-tolerant FR system consists of a water-in-oil cationic polymer and a surfactant inverter. Unlike other FRs, the distinctive advantage of this FR is that the ratio between polymer and inverter can be readily adjusted on-the-fly to achieve maximum friction reduction with reduced friction reducer concentration.