Single-Phase Retarded Acid

Single-phase retarded acid extends reservoir contact compared with conventional hydrochloric acid. The low reaction rate of the acid allows it to travel deep into the reservoir before completely spending. The use of hydrochloric acid as the reactive component gives the fluid a high dissolution capacity. The acid-retarding component is completely water soluble; therefore, the resulting single-phase fluid can accommodate friction reducers, enabling higher pumping rates.

In matrix acidizing, the single-phase retarded acid creates longer wormholes in comparison with stimulation services using the same volume of unmodified hydrochloric acid.

In acid fracturing, the single-phase retarded acid’s low friction pressure enables high-rate pumping. In addition, when used in OpenPath Reach extended-contact stimulation services, the system’s low viscosity favors viscous fingering in designs that include a high-viscosity pad fluid.