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Proppant transport model. Final report

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6228744

A numerical model for hydraulic fracturing and proppant transport has been developed. The development of the model involves the representation of complex phenomena including the fracture geometry, fluid flow in the fracture, fluid leak-off into the formation and proppant transport and placement characteristics. While the problem is too complex to expect quantitative results, the objective is to be able to rank different hydraulic fracturing treatments in terms of their relative ability to place propping agents in the fracture. Selected cases were run with the model to examine the effect of hydraulic fracturing variables on the resulting fracture shape and proppant placement. The trends shown by the model are in agreement with the type of behavior expected and the model appears to be a useful tool for comparing and selecting fracture designs. An experimental study to better describe the proppant settling behavior in cross-linked fluids was also conducted. Both borate and metal ion cross-linked fluids were tested. The complex behavior of these fluids presented difficulties in rheologically characterizing them. The data obtained and the testing procedures are described. 21 references, 53 figures, 20 tables.

Research Organization:
Tulsa Univ., OK (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC21-83MC20370
OSTI ID:
6228744
Report Number(s):
DOE/MC/20370-1700; ON: DE85001987
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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