Proppant Distribution Simulation in Hydraulic Fracturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The oil and gas industry faces challenges in accurately simulating hydraulic fracturing operations due to limited computational resources, which hinders the efficient and accurate simulation of proppant phenomena in unconventional reservoirs with low-permeability rock matrices.
Innovation Solution
The development of simulation systems and methods that determine a time-dependent spatial distribution of multiple proppant types or sizes in a fracture network, incorporating one-dimensional engineering models and computational methodologies to predict proppant distribution, fluid flow, and interactions within the fracture network, allowing for real-time optimization of proppant and fluid schedules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If comprehensive proppant phenomena are included in hydraulic fracturing simulation, then simulation accuracy is improved, but computational resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The simulation domain is segmented into discrete fracture elements and proppant particles, allowing the complex continuous problem to be divided into manageable discrete components that can be processed efficiently with limited computational resources while maintaining accuracy in predicting proppant distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The simulation employs dimensionless parameters and scaled models to represent proppant phenomena, transforming the complex physical problem into a computationally tractable form that preserves accuracy while reducing computational resource requirements through parameter normalization and scaling relationships
2Loss of information
If multiple proppant types or sizes are tracked in fracture network, then proppant distribution understanding is improved, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple proppant types and sizes are tracked by segmenting the proppant population into distinct size classes or types, with each class simulated separately through the fracture network. This segmentation allows comprehensive tracking of differential proppant transport and deposition while maintaining computational efficiency through modular processing of each proppant class
Solution Approach 2:
A universal simulation framework is developed that can handle multiple proppant types and sizes through a single integrated model structure. The model uses common governing equations and computational algorithms that accommodate varying proppant properties, eliminating the need for separate simulations for each proppant type and reducing overall computational complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
These systems provide a better understanding of proppant distribution and fracture conductivity, enabling optimized proppant and fluid schedules, thereby improving the effectiveness of hydraulic fracturing operations and enhancing the extraction of hydrocarbons from low-permeability reservoirs.
Implementation Method 1
determine a time-dependent spatial distribution of multiple proppant types or sizes in a fracture network... account for interaction and settling of the multiple proppant types or sizes
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic fracturing flow simulation method includes identifying one or more reservoir layers contacted by a wellbore, the reservoir layers including a network of fractures. The method further includes determining a current network state that includes flow parameter values at discrete points arranged one-dimensionally along the wellbore and at discrete points arranged one-dimensionally along each fracture, the flow parameter values including concentrations of multiple proppant types or sizes. The method further includes constructing a set of linear equations for deriving a subsequent network state from the current network state while accounting for interaction and settling of the multiple proppant types or sizes. The method further includes repeatedly solving the set of linear equations to obtain a sequence of subsequent network states. The method further includes displaying the time-dependent spatial distribution.