Effect of Fracturing Fluids on Fracture Conductivity

Measurements and predictions of the effect of fracturing fluids on fracture conductivity were made. The residue from guar polymer was found to greatly reduce fracture conductivity under some conditions, and these conditions could be predicted based on residue volume measurements. Some other polymers were found to decrease fracture conductivity because insufficient breaker was present in the simulated fracture. Fluid loss additives at normal concentrations had negligible effect on fracture conductivity. The technique developed to simulate reservoir fracture conditions can be used to test any fracturing fluid for its effect on fracture conductivity.