Two-dimensional theory of fracture propagation

Conference · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1982 · Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5540341

Biot, M A; Masse, L; Medlin, W L

A basic theory of 2-dimensional fracture propagation has been developed using a Lagrangian formulation combined with a virtual work analysis. Fluid leak-off is included by assuming that an incompressible filtrate produces displacement of a compressible reservoir fluid with a moving boundary between the two. The Lagrangian formulation yields a pair of non-linear equations in Q1 and Q2, the fracture length and half width. Elimination of the injection pressure yields a single equation which can be solved numerically. For non-wall building fluids, it predicts much higher leak-off rates than existing methods. It also allows non-elastic phenomena such as plasticity to be included. A computer program developed from the theory has been in use for more than 10 yr. In most applications, it has predicted fracture dimensions which have been in line with production experience. Optimization methods based on this program led to very large fracturing treatments in low permeability gas sands which were forerunners of massive frac treatments in tight gas sands. This method was used to design fracturing programs in large gas fields in Kansas and Texas. 20 references.

• OSTI ID: 5540341
• Report Number(s): CONF-820927-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States) Journal Volume: SPE-11067
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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