A new approach to evaluate the performance of partially propped hydraulic fractures
Luiz Bortolan Neto A , Aditya Khanna A and Andrei Kotousov AThe University of Adelaide
The APPEA Journal 53(1) 355-362 https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ12030
Published: 2013
Abstract
A new approach for evaluating the performance of hydraulic fractures that are partially packed with proppant (propping agent) particles is presented. The residual opening of the partially propped fracture is determined as a function of the initial fracture geometry, the propped length of the fracture, the compressive rock stresses, the elastic properties of the rock, and the compressibility of the proppant pack. A mathematical model for fluid flow towards the fracture is developed, which incorporates the effects of the residual opening profile of the fracture and the high conductivity of the unpropped fracture length.
The residual opening profile of the fracture is calculated for a particular case where the proppant pack is nearly rigid and there is no closure of the fracture faces due to the confining (compressive) stresses. A sensitivity study is performed to demonstrate the dependence of the well productivity index on the propped length of the fracture, the proppant pack permeability, and the dimensionless fracture conductivity. The sensitivity study suggests that the residual opening of a fracture has a significant impact on production, and that partially propped fractures can be more productive than fully propped fractures. Application of this new approach can lead to economic benefits.
Luiz Bortolan Neto completed his Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) degree at Universidade Positivo, Brazil, in 2002. Luiz received his MSc degree from the Federal University of Paraná, Brazil, in 2009. He is presently completing his PhD in mechanical engineering at the University of Adelaide. luiz.bortolanneto@adelaide.edu.au |
Aditya Khanna graduated with honours from the University of Adelaide with a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical)degree in 2011. Aditya is now a PhD candidate at the same institution. aditya.khanna@adelaide.edu.au |
A/Prof Andrei Kotousov completed his PhD study at the Russian Academy of Sciences in 1993, and is presently an associate professor at the University of Adelaide’s School of Mechanical Engineering. Andrei teaches the solid mechanics, fracture mechanics, and stresses in plates and shells courses at the school. He also supervises PhD and master’s degree students, and is actively involved in a number of large research projects. Andrei has broad experience in theoretical and experimental fracture mechanics, biomechanics, structural health monitoring and composite materials, having produced more than 100 peer-reviewed publications in these areas. Andrei also serves as a regular reviewer for international journals and conferences, and national and international grant applications. andrei.kotousov@adelaide.edu.au |
