Optimization and performance evaluation of a novel anhydrous CO2 fracturing fluid

The conventional water-based fracturing fluids have such defects as large water consumption, serious environmental pollution and water-sensitive damage to reservoirs in the development of tight oil. In this study, a novel anhydrous CO₂ fracturing fluid system was constructed with the compositions of 7 wt% polydimethylsiloxane (100 cs), 5 wt% ethanol and 88 wt% liquid CO₂. The viscosity of the system could reach 6.52 mPa s, which was 37 times higher than that of pure liquid CO₂ at −15 °C and 30 MPa. The pressure resistance, temperature resistance, anti-swelling property, filtration loss property, core damage property, corrosion property and wetting inversion property of anhydrous CO₂ fracturing fluid were systematically evaluated by physical simulation experiments. The environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) and mercury injection experiment were conducted. The viscosity retention rate of anhydrous CO₂ fracturing fluid reaches 47.92% when the temperature increases by 50 °C. When the pressure increases by 25 MPa, the viscosity increases by 2.6 times. It ensures that the viscosity of anhydrous CO₂ fracturing fluid is well retained after injection into the formation. In addition, the anti-swelling rate of anhydrous CO₂ fracturing fluid reaches 90.91%. The filtration coefficient is reduced by 69.20%. For low permeability sandstone cores, the permeability damage rate is 18.80% and the porosity damage rate is 12.58%. After aging for 30 h, the permeability and porosity of core increased 39.23% and 5.52%, respectively. Meanwhile, the wettability of the core could be changed from hydrophilic to neutral, which reduced the flow resistance of the oil phase and improved tight oil recovery. Through this study, we hope to broaden the application of anhydrous CO₂ fracturing fluids in tight oil development.