A new approach to evaluate the performance of partially propped hydraulic fractures

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dc.contributor.authorBortolan Neto, L.
dc.contributor.authorKhanna, A.
dc.contributor.authorKotooussov, A.
dc.contributor.conferenceAustralian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association Conference (2013 : Brisbane, QLD)
dc.date.issued2013
dc.description.abstractA 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 propp ant pack is nearly rigid and there is no closure ofthe 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 propp ant 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 ofthis new approach can lead to economic benefits.
dc.description.statementofresponsibilityL. Bortolan Neto, A. Khanna and A. Kotousov
dc.identifier.citation2013 APPEA Conference and Exhibition, 2013 / pp.355-362
dc.identifier.doi10.1071/AJ12030
dc.identifier.issn1326-4966
dc.identifier.orcidKhanna, A. [0000-0002-9536-6632]
dc.identifier.orcidKotooussov, A. [0000-0001-9337-5095]
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/2440/83915
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherCSIRO Publishing
dc.publisher.placeAustralia
dc.relation.isreplacedby2440/90432
dc.relation.isreplacedbyhttp://hdl.handle.net/2440/90432
dc.rightsCopyright status unknown
dc.source.urihttps://doi.org/10.1071/aj12030
dc.subjectPartially propped
dc.subjecthydraulic fracture
dc.subjectfracture closure
dc.subjectresidual opening
dc.subjectsteady-state flow
dc.subjectproductivity index
dc.titleA new approach to evaluate the performance of partially propped hydraulic fractures
dc.typeConference paper
pubs.publication-statusPublished

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