Neftyanaya Provintsiya
electronic peer-reviewed scholarly publication
Neftyanaya provintsiya No. 3(47), 2026

Adaptation of fracturing fluids for unconventional reservoirs

A.R. Khamidi, I.I. Mannanov, J.J. Abdukhamidov, V.M. Fomina, V.V. Andriyashin, M.A. Varfolomeev
DOI: https://doi.org/10.25689/NP.2026.3.172-191

Abstract


This article examines the application of hydraulic fracturing (HF) fluids to unconventional reservoir conditions in Russia's shale formations – the Bazhenov, Abalak, and Domanik formations, characterized by ultra-low permeability, lithological heterogeneity, and anomalous pressure-temperature parameters. The relevance of this study stems from the limited effectiveness of traditional guar gels at high reservoir temperatures and high salinity. The aim of this study was to experimentally validate the optimal concentration ratios of a xanthan HF fluid to ensure a balance between rheological stability and complete gel degradation. The methodology included oscillation and rotational rheometry (Anton Paar MCR 302) and an assessment of the residual conductivity of the proppant pack according to API RP 19D. An optimal ratio of gelling agent and viscosity enhancer was established, ensuring high sand-carrying capacity at low initial viscosity (40 cP) for over 120–150 minutes. High residual proppant conductivity of 80–83% was confirmed, exceeding the generally accepted industry acceptance criterion. The practical significance of these results lies in the potential use of xanthan-based fracturing fluids in the design of multi-stage hydraulic fracturing in hard-to-recover shale reserves in Russian Federation fields.

Key words:

hydraulic fracturing, unconventional reservoirs, hard-to-recover reserves, xanthan-based hydraulic fracturing fluid, viscoelastic properties

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Authors

A.R. Khamidi, PhD Student, Institute of Geology and Oil and Gas Technologies, Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University; Leading Technologist in upstream, Industrial Chemistry LLC, Mirrico Group
4/5 Kremlevskaya St., Kazan, 420008, Russian Federation
E-mail: khamidi.alan@mail.ru

I.I. Mannanov, PhD in technical sciences, Associate Professor, Department of Development and Operation of Hard-to-Recover Hydrocarbon Deposits, Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University
4/5 Kremlevskaya St., Kazan, 420008, Russian Federation
E-mail: ildarmannanov@mail.ru

J.J. Abdukhamidov, PhD Student, Institute of Geology and Oil and Gas Technologies, Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University
4/5 Kremlevskaya St., Kazan, 420008, Russian Federation
E-mail: javadjon3603@gmail.com

V.M. Fomina, Master’s degree holder, Institute of Geology and Oil and Gas Technologies, Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University
4/5 Kremlevskaya St., Kazan, 420008, Russian Federation
E-mail: vfmnnn@gmail.com

V.V. Andriyashin, PhD in Chemistry, Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University
27 Kremlevskaya St., Kazan, 420111, Russian Federation
E-mail: vandriya@kpfu.ru

M.A. Varfolomeev, PhD in chemistry sciences, Head of the Department of Development and Operation of Hard-to-Recover Hydrocarbon Deposits, Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University
4/5 Kremlevskaya St., Kazan, 420008, Russian Federation
E-mail: mikhail.varfolomeev@kpfu.ru

For citation:

A.R. Khamidi, I.I. Mannanov, J.J. Abdukhamidov, V.M. Fomina, V.V. Andriyashin, M.A. Varfolomeev Adaptatsiya zhidkostey razryva primenitel'no k netraditsionnym kollektoram [Adaptation of fracturing fluids for unconventional reservoirs]. Neftyanaya Provintsiya, No. 3(47), 2026. pp. 172-191. DOI https://doi.org/10.25689/NP.2026.3.172-191. EDN ASKKAR (in Russian)

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