Abstract
A 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 proppant pack is nearly rigid and there is no closure of the 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 proppant 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 of this new approach can lead to economic benefits.
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