Development and evaluation of high-salinity aqueous fracturing fluids for deep coalbed methane reservoirs
摘要
To address the adverse effects of high-salinity environments on the performance of coalbed methane (CBM) fracturing fluids, the development of salt-tolerant fracturing fluids is imperative. A novel zwitterionic copolymer, PAAHD, was synthesized via solution polymerization from AM, AMPS, 3-hydroxypropyl (allyl) dimethylammonium bromide (HADB), and dodecyl (allyl) dimethylammonium bromide (DADB). It leverages synergistic charge shielding, hydrophobic association, and steric hindrance for enhanced salt tolerance. With optimal synthesis conditions, PAAHD achieved a viscosity-average molecular weight of 7.01 × 10⁶ g/mol. It exhibited outstanding salt resistance, maintaining stable apparent viscosity (50.6–100.1 mPa·s) under high salinity (TDS up to 173,670 mg/L), temperature (100 °C), and shear (170 s⁻¹). The fluid demonstrated elastic-dominated rheology (tan δ < 1), high drag reduction (> 75%), effective proppant suspension (< 1.8 × 10⁻³ m/s), and easy breakability with low residual viscosity (< 2 mPa·s) and minimal formation damage (< 10%). These results validate PAAHD as a high-performance fracturing fluid for deep CBM reservoirs, combining environmental benefits (produced water reuse) with superior thermal-shear stability and proppant transport.
Graphic abstract