In multistage hydraulic fracturing treatments, the distribution of proppant between multiple perforation clusters has a significant impact on treatment behaviors and results. Low viscosity fluids, such as slickwater fluids, are used intensively in hydraulic fracturing treatments to fracture the shale formations. Despite their low cost and their tendencies to generate more fracture networks into the formation, they lead to poor proppant suspension and, as a result, only a small portion of the fractures might be efficiently propped. This paper analyzes experimental tests conducted on proppant transportation behavior in horizontal wellbores and through the perforation clusters using high loading friction reducer (HLFR)-based fluids. It compares the results of these proppant transport experiments against other work that has been conducted in this apparatus and elsewhere. The viscosity and elasticity of the HLFR fluids were measured under a variety of concentrations across a wide range of shear conditions. Proppant transport tests were conducted at different flow rates and proppant concentrations, utilizing a 30-foot horizontal pipe with three perforation clusters at shot densities of 4 SPF with 90-degree phasing. A range of fluid viscosities were used to transport sand particles for 20/40 and 40/70 mesh sizes.
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