Water blocking in tight formations: How the basic physics controls production

In this talk, I will explore the physics of water blocking in unconventional tight formations. Fracturing is necessary to achieve economical production rates in these formations, but a sizable amount of fracturing fluid is left behind in the formation, potentially inhibiting production. Through experimental results, I will show how this water block changes with time, and the physics of when and how it clears. I will also show experiments of how additives in the fracturing fluid can help in clearing the water block.

Speaker: David DiCarlo, Univ. of Texas, Austin