Abstract
The paper examines the causes of proppant backflow from a fracture to a well, and presents the main technologies for proppant control. The consequences of the removal of the fracture filler into the wellbore are determined. It has been noted that proppant backflow is most damaging to wells operated by electric centrifugal pumps. Existing methods of hydraulic fracturing are investigated, their disadvantages are indicated. A method has been developed for hydraulic fracturing with injection of compressed springs made of metal with the effect of ‘memory’ and restoring their shape under reservoir temperature stress. In the first stage, the remote section of the crack is filled with a fine fraction of ceramic proppant, and at the final stage of crack attachment, compressed springs made of nitinol material are fed. Using of material with a shape memory will allow the proppant packing to be compacted and the proppant to be ‘locked’ in the fracture.
Highlights
In the process of hydraulic fracturing through the action of high pressure on the reservoir, a system of cracks is created into which granular material is transported to fix the crack in the open state after relieving the overpressure [1]
It is known that proppant backflow from a fracture into a well occurs after hydraulic fracturing during initial treatment and in some cases even after a well is fully developed [3]
The proposed method of hydraulic fracturing includes running of the pipe string with the packer into the wellbore, the overlap of the annulus above the roof of the producing formation, the supply of hydraulic fracturing fluid along the pipe string with the creation of overpressure with a crack fixer, in the form of proppant particles of the calculated fractional composition, holding time
Summary
In the process of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) through the action of high pressure on the reservoir, a system of cracks is created into which granular material (proppant) is transported to fix the crack in the open state after relieving the overpressure [1]. Often there is a spontaneous proppant exit from the created hydraulic fracture beyond the reservoir (to water-saturated horizons) and hydraulic fracturing design optimization [2]. It is known that proppant backflow from a fracture into a well occurs after hydraulic fracturing during initial treatment and in some cases even after a well is fully developed [3]. It is noted that the wings of the crack work less efficiently, respectively, and the removal of proppant mainly comes from the central part of the crack. The backflow of proppant from the fracture to the well leads to a decrease in the conductive width of the fracture as a result of a decrease in the wedging effect, up to its complete collapse (Figure 1)
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