Abstract:

The viscoelastic surfactant (VES) is widely used in reservoir stimulation owing to its unique physical and chemical properties under formation condition. The viscoelastic surfactant micelle structure and characteristics as well as its mechanism were briefly introduced at first. Based on these, two related parts, the VES fracturing fluid and VES self-diverting acid, were detailedly discussed and summarized from all aspects of the theoretical basis, technical progress and field application. Characteristics of VES fracturing fluid like strong carrying capacity, low filtration, high efficiency, qualified fracturing flow back ability, low formation damage were shown. It was easy for VES acid to get deep reparation, break smoothly, and causes less damage and less filtration. Finally, it was  pointed out that the study of viscoelastic surfactants still need to overcome the difficulties and problems, so as to promote the  application of viscoelastic surfactant in the field of oil and gas reservoir production.

Key words: viscoelastic surfactant, reservoir stimulation, VES fracturing fluid, VES self-diverting acid, review