Foam-Based Hydraulic Fracturing from Lab to Field Applications: A Brief Review

Hydraulic fracturing, as described in petroleum literature, involves injecting fluids under high pressure to fracture formations in a controlled manner, aiming to enhance productivity and/or address near wellbore damage. Traditional water-based fracturing fluids have been widely used due to their cost-effectiveness and simplicity. However, they pose challenges such as formation water sensitivity, blockages, difficulties in transporting proppants, water availability concerns, and issues with cleaning up low-pressure reservoirs. These challenges have spurred research into alternative solutions. Foam-based fracturing technology has emerged as a promising alternative to water-based fracturing due to its minimal or zero water usage. By reducing water usage, foam fracturing minimizes near wellbore damage, lowers the risk of permeability impairment, and addresses environmental worries associated with excessive wastewater. Additionally, foam fracturing appears particularly suitable for shale gas reservoirs. This paper offers a review of foam-based fracturing fluids, delving into both lab studies and practical applications. The paper analyzes the advantages and limitations of foam fracturing compared to water fracturing. Finally, the outcomes of foam fracturing in numerous oil and gas fields are summarized. Experimental and field application results demonstrate that foam fluids have the potential to enhance hydraulic fracturing both technically and economically. The paper also identifies existing challenges and knowledge gaps, guiding future research directions in this area.