A Method for Evaluation of Formation Damage Due to Fracturing Fluids

Abstract The extent of formation damage due to invasion of fracturing fluids during the hydraulic fracturing process was studied. An apparatus, which can simulate reservoir conditions, is described for measuring permeability before and after fluids are pumped across the surface of a core. Dynamic fluid loss was also measured of fluid which passes through the core plug. After the fluid pump schedule was completed, high gas pressure was applied in the reverse direction from fluid leak-off to measure fluid cleanup and the extent of core damage. The system had a wide dynamic range and the measurements have been automated.