Optimizing Fluid Production from Porous Media: From Hydraulic Fractures to Plant Roots

摘要

This paper discusses the physical mechanisms of enhanced fluid production from thin and slender porous structures such as hydraulic fractures and plant roots. The work shows how the end effect induces a large local pressure gradient in the medium which creates a converging flow pattern that focuses the fluid to the end region. As a result, a nearly singular flux density around the end develops which can promote the flux density distribution along the structure-medium surface, thus enhancing the production rate. For a given porous structure volume, a competition exists between the structure conductivity and the structure penetration length. This leads to an optimal length-to-width ratio for the structure that maximizes the fluid production rate. Optimized fracture and plant root are discussed.