IMPROVED WELL FRACTURE STIMULATION PERFORMANCE THROUGH THE APPLICATION OF UNIQUE SOLID CHEMICAL INHIBITORS

The production performance of hydraulically fractured wells is dependent on many variables. Many of such variables are related to reservoir characteristics and fracture design. A slower production decline rate and enhanced production performance of a fractured well can be realized by the addition of inhibitor‑coated substrates to the proppant during the fracturing process. These proppant pack inhibitors are designed to mitigate the negative effects of scale, paraffin and asphaltene deposits, in addition to corrosion. The addition of inhibitors and their placement within the proppant pack is based on the premise that fluid flow regimes post proppant fracturing, from initial linear to pseudo‑radial flow, will be through the proppant pack. Chemical inhibitors are most effective when placed within the proppant pack, providing a controlled and extended inhibitor release. Chemically‑coated substrate inhibitors have been designed to function in varied reservoir and well conditions, yet are strong enough to maintain fracture conductivity of the proppant pack. This technology provides significant benefits by minimizing scale, wax, and asphaltene deposition in the fracture and wellbore, minimizing the effects of corrosion, delaying well workover intervention, and reducing well remediation costs.