It has been reported that borate cross-linked guar gums of the type that are commonly used in hydraulic fracturing fluids exhibit reversible pressure-induced changes in the viscosity that could potentially influence their application in the field under more adverse conditions, such as deeper wells. The purpose of this study is to investigate these systems using in situ high-pressure small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) to obtain a better understanding of the underlying cause of the pressure effects on borate binding and polymer configuration under conditions of high temperature and pressure. With SAXS the collapse of the gel with increasing pressure can be observed in situ with change of the electron density of the scattering polymer gel and the change in the mass fractal. In addition, with small model systems the borate sugar complexes have been characterized.

Study of pressure effects on borate cross-linked hydraulic fracturing fluids by small angle X-ray scattering

249th National Meeting (2015)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.