Preparation and properties of a clean, low‐damage waterproof locking damage multifunctional integrated water‐based fracturing fluid

Abstract In the wake of increasingly serious challenges in oilfield production and energy utilization, oil and gas reservoirs with ultra‐low permeability have gained tremendous importance for global energy supply. In such reservoirs, hydraulic fracturing is an important stimulation measure. Here, to develop a high‐performance fracturing fluid, a novel type of water‐based thickener named FPM‐2 was exploited based on low‐molecular weight alcohol and hydrophobically associating polymers, labeled as AAOS, and synthesized using acrylamide, acryloyl acid, octadecyl dimethyl allyl ammonium chloride, and octadecyl methacrylate. Dissolution rate and scanning electron microscope results showed the system to be a fast‐soluble thickener with a spatially cross‐linked network structure. The viscosity of 0.8 wt% FPM‐2 reached up to 216 mPa·s. Investigation of the rheological behavior showed that the thickener, 1.4 wt% FPM‐2, could withstand a temperature up to 180°C after being sheared for 80 min at 170 s −1 , and its viscosity was up to 53 mPa·s. The 0.6 wt% FPM‐2 sample also displayed excellent shear recovery properties and high viscoelasticity. The most fascinating aspect of FPM‐2 was that its unique formula imparted the thickener with characteristics such as enhanced self‐association, waterproof locking, and prevention of wax formation. In this research, the recovery value of core permeability exceeded 80%, and wax was precipitated as small‐sized particles that prevented pipeline blockage. Therefore, the use of this multi‐effect cleansing thickener should set the trend for the development of oil and gas resources.