Justification of Waterless Hydraulic Fracturing Methods

This article presents an analysis of the effectiveness of hydraulic fracturing for increasing hydrocarbon production, emphasizing the challenges and limitations of this method. Sustainable alternatives are explored, including waterless hydraulic fracturing technologies such as the use of carbon dioxide, liquid nitrogen, petroleum gas, and liquefied natural gas. A systematic analysis highlights their practical applications, advantages, and limitations. These methods are shown to reduce environmental impact and are suitable for use in water-scarce regions. However, their implementation is associated with accelerated equipment wear due to the effects of cryogenic fluids and high pressures, necessitating careful material selection and system design. Furthermore, attention is given to the issue of hydro- and gas-abrasive wear, which damages critical equipment components such as turbine blades and pump gears. The wear patterns are found to depend on the angle of impact of abrasive particles, underscoring the need for innovative solutions to mitigate these effects. The study's findings confirm the significant potential of waterless hydraulic fracturing technologies to enhance hydrocarbon production efficiency and highlight the importance of further research aimed at improving their economic and environmental sustainability. The proposed approaches contribute to advancing the oil and gas industry's transition to more efficient and sustainable practices.

Justification of Waterless Hydraulic Fracturing Methods Keywords:

Hydro- and gas-abrasive , Carbon dioxide , Liquid Nitrogen , abrasive particles , equipment wear , cryogenic fluids