The Oilfield Materials Research Laboratory (OMRL) works on materials problems in the area of drilling, well completions, and workovers. We have active projects in the rheological characterization of low-solids drilling muds, cements, and crosslinked fracturing fluids. In addition, we are expanding our research efforts in proppant transport. We are currently pursuing three new research initiatives on topics of importance to the oil industry.

Fracturing Fluid Engineering Initiative

OMRL is beginning a new research initiative to develop the measurement and theoretical tools to optimize the fracturing fluid development process. Developing a new fracturing fluid can be a lengthily process with a high degree of risk. We have shown that a few simple tests can help to maximize the chances of success in the development of low polymer concentration fluids. This initiative is designed to extend on the knowledge that we have gained to all types of water-based fracturing fluids.

Fracture Conductivity Initiative

Fracture conductivity testing is plagued with a lack of reproducibility in the tests. The industry has expended a great deal of effort in developing tests methods to improve the results, but we are still looking at +/- 20 percent and sometimes worse. This project is not meant to replace or compete with currently available commercial testing laboratories. We are proposing to look at the problem in a different way. In addition to building and operating a standard conductivity testing apparatus, we will be looking at the physics of both the flow in the cell and the physics of the small particles that make up the pack.

Proppant Transport Imitative

OMRL and it's predecessor have been involved in proppant transport for the last several years. We were responsible for clarifying how convection works and when it is important in fracturing. In the process of exploring convection, we were able to show that there are two factors that strongly influence the placement of proppant. These factors are non-uniform fracture widths and the direction of height growth. This work was done with non-settling slurries. The advent of less viscous fracturing fluids raises the question of what happens in settling slurries. There is also the question of width non-uniformities from the wellbore to the fracture tip. We are proposing to construct a model that is large enough to test these and other issues.