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 Non-Darcy and Multiphase Flow in Propped Fractures: Case Studies Illustrate the Dramatic Effect on Well Productivity
Michael C. Vincent, SPE, Insight Consulting; C. Mark Pearson,SPE, CARBO Ceramics Inc.; and John Kullman, SPE, CARBO Ceramics Inc.
This paper explains the meaning and significance of multiphase and non-Darcy flow. These effects are shown to be substantial even in low rate wells. Ignoring these effects will often lead to inaccurate production forecasts and sub-optimal fracture design. These mistakes are shown to result in lost revenues which can exceed $2 million per fracture treatment for typical gas and oil well fracture treatments conducted in North America. This paper explains that the effective proppant permeability is typically 1% of the value assumed in most production models, and examines the mistakes which are frequently made using current frac models.
Case studies are included which illustrate a dramatic change in fracture optimization and cash flow when these effects are properly considered. Techniques are discussed to allow incorporation of multiphase and non-Darcy flow effects into simple production models. |
