Application of nanoparticles as fluid loss control additives for hydraulic fracturing of tight and ultra-tight hydrocarbon-bearing formations

In this study, application of silica and polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) nanoparticles as fluid loss additives for three sets of core plugs with permeability values within the 10−5-10−4 mD, 0.01-0.1 mD and 1-40 mD range was investigated. The nano-sized material used in this study significantly reduced the fluid loss volume for the cores with permeability values below 0.1 mD when mixed only with 2% KCl or with low concentrations of guar polymer prepared in 2% KCl.