Prediction of proppant distribution as a function of perforation orientations

Abstract

In treatments that involve multiple stages and clusters, one of the most important challenges is ensuring that the proppant is evenly distributed across all clusters. It is crucial to distribute the proppant equally to ensure that all perforation clusters are contributing to production. To forecast the proppant distribution between perforation clusters, an experimental correlation was established using data from the literature on horizontal wellbores. A dimensional analysis was performed using the Buckingham Pi-theorem to develop the correlation. Data from different independent variables, such as completion designs and orientations, were incorporated. In this study, an improved novel experimental correlation is proposed to accurately forecast the proppant distribution using various perforation configurations and orientations. The correlation can predict the proppant distribution with a low percentage difference of less than 20%. This correlation may be upscaled to predict the distribution of proppants across multiple clusters in a single-stage hydraulic fracturing stimulation. The developed correlation illustrates that injecting more proppant at a higher rate may help to allocate the proppant more evenly across perforation clusters. However, a nonuniform proppant distribution is obtained by increasing the proppant median diameter.