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Proppant transport in horizontal wellbores using fresh water
Ngameni, Kamga L.
Ngameni, Kamga L.
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2016
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Abstract
In the past few decades in North America, shale reservoirs have been fractured using slickwater treatments due to the low cost compared to other forms of stimulation treatments. One question that has not been addressed to date is the distribution of proppant among perforation clusters and if settling of the proppant exists in the wellbore. Such questions are important since an uneven distribution of proppant among the clusters or settling of proppant in the wellbore pipe means that not all perforated zones are adequately stimulated and will contribute to the production of hydrocarbons. An experimental study was conducted to investigate proppant transport and settling mechanisms in horizontal wellbores using water as the transport fluid. The aim of this project was to investigate the parameters that affect the distribution and settling of the proppant amidst a series of three perforation clusters. This study determined that three parameters have the most impact on transport in horizontal wells as follows: • Fluid injection rate into the wellbore; • Proppant concentration in the carrier fluid; and, • Sieve size of the proppant. The above parameters have provided some interesting insights into the nature of proppant distribution and settling in the wellbore. From the experimental data, a correlation that helped determine the minimum rate required to achieve an even distribution of proppant across a series of perforation clusters was developed. This correlation can be used given certain proppant characteristics. Recommendations for future experimental work are also presented. A better understanding of settling and distribution across the wellbore can aid the design of hydraulic fracture treatments using specific flow rates for an even distribution and also to prevent settling of the proppant in the pipe.
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