Implied vs. Applied Fracture Conductivity: The stimulation industry is reconsidering the true nature of fracture conductivity technology - and how it can improve and maintain that technology

摘要

With the invention and implementation of the modern computer, hydraulic fracturing designs have taken a quantum leap forward over the hand designs and field knowledge used for fracturing treatments in the past. Today, all service companies and many operators are equipped with hydraulic fracture modeling and reservoir simulation software that allows engineers to customize all aspects of the treatment from fracturing fluids to flow-back and production rates. In this same age of modernization, unfortunately fewer improve- ments in fracture conductivity technology have taken place, leaving the industry with little enhanced understanding. In 2003, about 6.1 billion lb of proppant - ceramic, resin coated and raw sand were injected into formations worldwide. The proppant is the only thing that should be left in the formation after the treatment and is the most important feature in achieving and maintaining a profitable completion. With this in mind, the stimulation industry is rethinking what fracture conductivity really is and what it can do to improve and maintain it.