Steven R. Grundmann

Field Applications of Cryogenic Nitrogen as a Hydraulic Fracturing Fluid

New techniques allow liquid nitrogen to be delivered safely to a moderate-depth formation at typical fracturing rates and cryogenic temperatures while protecting the casing from damage. This process provides a thermal shock to the reservoir rock that physically alters the fracture walls to prevent closure of hydraulically or thermally induced fractures. The results of this field project indicate that use of cryogenic nitrogen in refracture applications appears to reduce the damage caused by gel filter-cake residue from earlier fracturing treatments successfully.