Micro to Macro Mastery: Game-Changing Multi-Modal Dissolvable Particulates for Effective Diversion in Fracturing and Acid Stimulation

Effective diversion is critical in proppant fracturing and acid stimulation treatments, ensuring uniform fracture initiation across long and multi-cluster perforations and enabling consistent acid placement in carbonate formations. Variations in pore pressure, permeability, in-situ stress, effective true perforation geometry and lithology present significant challenges that near-wellbore diverters are designed to overcome. Numerous studies have shown that near-wellbore diverters outperform far-field alternatives, improving fracture uniformity and acid distribution even in complex formation conditions. PLA-based diverters have emerged as highly efficient near-wellbore diverters and widely used in proppant fracturing and acid fracturing treatments. Their multi-modal composition combines coarse particles to provide structural blockage with fine particles to fill voids, enhancing sealing and high-pressure resistance. While PLA-based diverters have been a reliable and widely used material in fracturing treatments, their standalone application becomes less effective under elevated BHST conditions. An innovative NWB particulates diverter referred to as Improved Diverter Blend, was developed to directly address the shortcomings of PLA at elevated temperatures. By combining materials with complementary properties: coarse-sized PLA provides structural framework, the fine-sized absorbents enhance sealing capacity, and the fibrous materials increase mechanical strength, these materials create a more resilient barrier capable of withstanding higher pressures and temperatures for extended periods. Experimental studies were conducted to compare the effectiveness of the newly developed Improved Diverter Blend as compared to as the PLA only diverter blends (i.e Conventional Diverter Blend) which is widely utilized within the fracturing industry as a standard NWB diverter material. Bridging test was done using a specialized apparatus to evaluate the ability of the NWB diverter to bridge across the perforation tunnel or fracture entry point. Both Improved Diverter Blend and Conventional Diverter Blend were subjected to tests at 1,000 psi with temperature up to 275°F. The Conventional Diverter Blend limitations were evident at higher test conditions. At 275°F the blend was unable to sustain bridging capacity where it failed at 400 psi within only 18 minutes. In contrast, the Improved Diverter Blend successfully maintained bridging performance at 1,000 psi and 275°F for a duration of two hours, demonstrating superior high-temperature stability. The Improved Diverter Blend was then evaluated in Settling Test where it was conducted at room temperature (i.e. 75°F) for 10 minutes under static conditions. Observations showed a uniform suspension of all components within the Improved Diverter Blend in its viscous carrier fluid, indicating excellent homogeneity. This property minimizes premature settling, promotes effective transport during pumping, and enhances deeper plugging efficiency at perforation tunnels or fracture entry points. Degradation tests further confirmed the reliability of the Improved Diverter Blend. At 275°F, the material retained its structural integrity for up to 3 hours, providing sufficient time to complete fracturing treatments. Within 24 hours, the majority of the blend degraded completely across various fluid media, ensuring no residual debris remains in the formation and reducing the risk of long-term formation damage. The experimental results consistently demonstrate that the Improved Diverter Blend outperforms conventional PLA-only blends by overcoming their thermal physical and mechanical limitations. This makes it a more dependable NWB diverter, enabling improved fracture control and ultimately delivering enhanced production performance.