Optimization of breaker schedules for stimulation of tight gas reservoirs

Breakers are a small portion of the total fracture fluids, but could be very critical in determining the fracture treatment effectiveness. Wrong selection of breaker may result in extended fracture cleanup in weeks or months. An optimized selection and design of breaker schedules help maximize fracture conductivity by cleaning up the proppant pack after a treatment. However, breaker selection and design still remains as a challenge.We conducted an extensive and complete investigation of breakers through a systematic and critical review of relevant publications in this area. We first presented the major breaker types and their own breaking mechanisms, then built guidelines in a flow chart for selection of breakers based on formation temperature, pressure, PH, salinity, and mineral compositions. We then developed a step-by-step procedure for optimizing breaker schedules and finally demonstrated with field case studies of two tight gas wells in Louisiana. The new knowledge helps one optimize breaker design and improve fracture treatments in tight gas wells.