Application of surfactants for obtaining hydraulic fracturing gel

Insoluble residues left in fractures by fracturing fluids have been the object of study by many authors, since the se residues cause damage in reservoirs. The objective of this research was the development of a novel surfactant-based fracturing gel with the purpose of minimizing or eliminating the damage in the fracture. A comparison between the properties of a surfactant-based gel and a crosslinked hydroxypropylguar (HPG) fluid was made. Through rheological tests, fluid loss and setting rate, one can conclude that the obtained gel presents compatible characteristics when compared with the HPG gel.