Digital Twin of Degradable Fluid Loss Additive Supported by Advanced Slurry Flow Model

Abstract

This study is a part of larger scheme of reservoir strategy for use of degradable fluid loss additives. Components of this framework have been presented in two previous papers and this paper specifically describes the novel modeling approach. The hydraulic fracturing model accounts for the effect of fluid loss additive on fluid leakoff into the rock during the treatment. It is implemented with slurry flow model based on the lubrication theory. An empirical closure relation for Carter leakoff coefficient represents the effect of leaked fluid volume and the volume of fluid loss additive deposited in the filter cake. The numerical algorithm is based on the combined Eulerian-Lagrangian approach. A simulation example showing the effect of fluid loss additives on pad volume reduction and potential production performance enhancement is presented. The presented approach is the first slurry flow model which allows to accurately simulate the benefits of fluid loss additive and aims to create a digital twin of these additives eliminating the need to conduct laboratory experiments and design scenarios, revamping the fracturing design strategy.