Stress Amplification and Arch Dimensions in Proppant Beds Deposited by Waterfracs

摘要

Equations and a procedure have been developed to calculate the excess stress induced on a proppant dune that is deposited by a waterfrac with poor proppant transport characteristics.This method also calculates the dimensions of an arch region that forms above the bed.Stresses on the proppant at the top of such a dune are much greater than usually considered because of the need to support a wide proppant bed and the arch,suggesting that crushing and embedment are likely.The arch region itself is an extremely high conductivity pathway that may provide overall benefit in terms of clean-up and production,but may also aid sand production.