Propping Agent Transport in Horizontal Fractures

Abstract

This laboratory flow study covers propping agent transport in horizontal fractures as influenced by the characteristics of the propping particles, fluid and fracture. Correlations are presented for the transport of particles, deposition and fingering through dunes. For particles moving individually, the particle velocity in some cases may be low compared to the bulk average fluid velocity; in other cases, the particle velocity may exceed the bulk average fluid velocity. At high propping agent concentration or low fluid velocity, the likelihood of particle deposition and dune formation increases. Fingering and channeling accompany dune formation. Dune formation can be limited to the outer region of the fracture by adjustment of pump rate, fluid viscosity and particle concentration. A method is presented by which pump rate and fluid viscosity may be selected to control dune formation for Riven propping agent concentrations.