Stimulation Fracture Propagation Models

The modeling of hydraulic fractures applies

three fundamental equations:

1. Continuity
2. Momentum (Fracture Fluid Flow)
3. LEFM (Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics)

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Stimulation Fracture Propagation Models
Solution Technique
The three sets of equations need to be coupled to simulate the
propagation of the fracture.

The material balance and fluid flow are coupled using the relation
between the fracture width and fluid pressure.

The resulting deformation is modeled through LEFM.

Complex mathematical problem requires sophisticated numerical
schemes.

2D models provide tractable solutions but are limited by assumptions

3D and pseudo-3D are less restrictive but require computer analysis


Copyright, 2011
Stimulation Fracture Propagation Models
The following assumptions simplify the complex problem:
1. The fracture height,h
f
, is fixed and independent
of fracture length.
2. The fracture fluid pressure is constant in the
vertical cross sections perpendicular to the
direction of propagation.
3. Reservoir rock stiffness, its resistance to
deformation prevails in the vertical plane; i.e,
2D plane-strain deformation in the vertical plane
4. Each plane obtains an elliptic shape with
maximum width in the center,

Perkins-Kern-Nordgren Model (PKN) without leakoff

Schematic representation of linearly
propagating fracture with laminar fluid
flow according to PKN model
( ) ( )
G
h
p
f
h 1
) t , x ( w
o v
=
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Stimulation Fracture Propagation Models
5. The fluid pressure gradient in the x-direction can be
written in terms of a narrow, elliptical flow channel,



6. The fluid pressure in the fracture falls off at the tip, such that
at x = L and thus p = o
h
.

7. Flow rate is a function of the growth rate of the fracture width,



8. Combining provides a non-linear PDE in terms of w(x,t):

subject to the following conditions,
w(x,0) = 0 for t = 0
w(x,t) = 0 for x > L(t)
q(0,t) = q
i
/2 for two fracture wings
Perkins-Kern-Nordgren Model (PKN) without leakoff

( )
f
h
3
w
q 64
x
h
p

t
=
c
o c
t
w
4
f
h
x
q
c
c
t
=
c
c
0
t
w
2
x
2
w
2
f
h ) 1 ( 64
G
=
c
c

c
c
v
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Stimulation Fracture Propagation Models
Assumptions:
1. Fixed fracture height, h
f
.
2. Rock stiffness is taken into account in the horizontal plane only. 2D plane strain
deformation in the horizontal plane.
3. Thus fracture width does not depend on fracture
height and is constant in the vertical direction.

4. The fluid pressure gradient is with respect to a
narrow, rectangular slit of variable width,

Geertsma-de Klerk (GDK) Model without leakoff
Schematic representation of linearly
propagating fracture with laminar fluid
flow according to GDK model
}

=
x
0
) t , x (
3
w
dx
f
h
i
q 12
) t , x ( p ) t , 0 ( p
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Stimulation Fracture Propagation Models
Assumptions:
5. The shape of the fracture in the horizontal plane is elliptic with maximum width at
the wellbore

Geertsma-de Klerk (GDK) Model without leakoff
Schematic representation of linearly
propagating fracture with laminar fluid
flow according to GDK model
G
)
h f
p ( L ) 1 ( 2
) t , 0 ( w
o v
=
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Stimulation Fracture Propagation Models
Comparison
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1000
0 2000 4000 6000 8000
N
e
t

p
r
e
s
s
u
r
e

a
t

w
e
l
l
b
o
r
e
,

p
s
i
Fluid volume, gals
PKN
KGD
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Stimulation Fracture Propagation Models
Comparison
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
0 2000 4000 6000 8000
f
r
a
c
t
u
r
e

l
e
n
g
t
h
,

f
t
Fluid volume, gals
PKN
KGD
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Stimulation Fracture Propagation Models
Comparison
0.000
0.050
0.100
0.150
0.200
0.250
0.300
0.350
0.400
0 2000 4000 6000 8000
m
a
x
i
m
u
m

w
i
d
t
h

a
t

w
e
l
l
b
o
r
e
,

i
n
Fluid volume, gals
PKN
KGD
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Stimulation 3D Fracture Propagation Models
Applications
Primarily for complex reservoir conditions
Multiple zones with varying elastic or leakoff properties
Closure stress profiles indicate complex geometries
Vertical fracture profile illustrating the changes
in width across the fracture
Copyright, 2011
Stimulation 3D Fracture Propagation Models
Components Assumptions
1. 3D stress distribution linear elastic behavior
propagation criterion given by
fracture toughness
2. 2D fluid flow in fracture laminar flow of newtonian or
non-newtonian fluid
3. 2D proppant transport
4. Heat transfer
5. Leakoff Leakoff is 1D, to fracture face
Copyright, 2011
Stimulation 3D Fracture Propagation Models
Formulation
Elliptic D.E. for elasticity
Convective-diffusive eq. for heat transfer
Parabolic D.E. for leakoff


Solution
Finite element method discretization of formation to solve for stresses
and displacements
Boundary integral method discretization of boundary
Copyright, 2011
Stimulation 3D Fracture Propagation Models
Pseudo 3D models (P3D)
Crack height variations are approximatedependent on position and time
1D fracture fluid flow
Similar to PKN, i.e., vertical planes deform independently

2D



P3D



3D
Copyright, 2011
Comparison to validate
2D models
Example A: Strong stress
barriers, negligible
leakoff
More examples in
Chapter 5 of SPE
monograph Vol 12


Stimulation 3D Fracture Propagation Models
3D simulator
Stimulation Fracture Propagation Models
Dynamic Fracture Propagation Design PKN Model
Includes effects of non-newtonian fluids and net-to-gross height

1. Initial guess of maximum wellbore width, w
wb
= 0.10 in.

2. Calculate the average width,
wb
w
2
4
w |
.
|

\
| t
=

3. Calculate the effective viscosity,

1 n
2
w
g
h
i
q 842 . 80
K 47880
e

|
|
|
|
.
|

\
|
=

4. Calculate dimensionless time,

( )
3 / 2
5
n
h
g
h
G
g
h
5
C 32
2
i
q
e
1
4
10 x 7737 . 1 B
(
(
(
(

|
|
.
|

\
|
v

=

B
t
D
t =
Copyright, 2011
Stimulation Fracture Propagation Models
Dynamic Fracture Propagation Design PKN Model
Includes effects of non-newtonian fluids and net-to-gross height

5. Calculate dimensionless width,

1645 . 0
D
t 78 . 0
D
w =

6. Calculate the maximum wellbore width,

( )
3 / 1
2
2
2
1 16
2
10 0782 . 5
(
(
(
(

|
|
.
|

\
|

=
n
h
g
h
G
g
h C
i
q
e
x e
v

D
ew
wb
w =

7. Test for convergence,

TOL
1 n
wb
w
n
wb
w <

YES Continue
NO Go to step 2) with updated w
wb
.
Copyright, 2011
Stimulation Fracture Propagation Models
Dynamic Fracture Propagation Design PKN Model
Includes effects of non-newtonian fluids and net-to-gross height

8. Calculate the fracture length,

( )
3 / 1
8
4 8
256
5
1
2
10 4768 . 7
(
(
(
(

|
|
.
|

\
|

=
n
h
g
h
G
g
h C
i
q
e
x a
v

6295 .
D
t 5809 . 0
D
L =

D
aL L =

1. Calculate the fracture volume,

12
L
g
h w
V =

10. Calculate the fracture pressure

( )
min , h
4 / 1
3
1
L
e i
q
3
G
g
h
02975 . 0
) t , 0 (
f
P o +
(
(
(

v

=

11. Update pumping time and repeat the procedure, starting at step 1).

Copyright, 2011
Stimulation Fracture Propagation Models
Dynamic Fracture Propagation Design GDK Model

1. Initialize the procedure by guessing w
wb
= 0.1 in.

2. Calculate the dimensionless fluid loss parameter and fracture length,

|
|
|
.
|

\
|
+
t
|
|
|
.
|

\
|
t
= o
g
h
n
h
sp
V 8
12
we
w
g
h
n
h
t C 8
L


(
(
(

+
|
|
|
.
|

\
|
+
|
|
.
|

\
|
= ) (
2
1
2
8
12
2
2
11168 . 0
L
erfc
L
e
L
g
h
n
h
sp
V
we
w
n
h
g
h
i
q
C
g
h
L o
o
t
o t


3. Average width,

wb
w
4
w
t
=

4. Calculate the effective viscosity,
1 n
2
w
g
h
i
q 842 . 80
K 47880
e

|
|
|
|
.
|

\
|
=
Copyright, 2011
Stimulation Fracture Propagation Models
Dynamic Fracture Propagation Design GDK Model
5. Simplified expression for fracture width,

4 / 1
g
Gh
2
L
i
q
e
) 1 ( 84
1295 . 0
wb
w
(
(
(

t
v
=





6. Test for convergence,

TOL
1 n
wb
w
n
wb
w <

YES Continue
NO Go to step 2) with updated w
wb
.

7. Volume of one wing of the fracture,

48
wb
hLw
V
t
=

8. Bottomhole fracture pressure,

( )
min ,
4 / 1
2
3
1
3 3
2
03725 . 0
) , 0 (
h
L
g
h
e i
q G
g
h
t
f
P o
v

+
(
(
(
(

=

9.Update pumping time and repeat the procedure, starting at step 1).
Copyright, 2011
Stimulation Fracture Propagation Models
Dynamic Fracture Propagation Design GDK Model

5. Simplified expression for fracture width,

4 / 1
g
Gh
2
L
i
q
e
) 1 ( 84
1295 . 0
wb
w
(
(
(

t
v
=





6. Test for convergence,

TOL
1 n
wb
w
n
wb
w <

YES Continue
NO Go to step 2) with updated w
wb
.

7. Volume of one wing of the fracture,

48
wb
hLw
V
t
=

8. Bottomhole fracture pressure,

( )
min ,
4 / 1
2
3
1
3 3
2
03725 . 0
) , 0 (
h
L
g
h
e i
q G
g
h
t
f
P o
v

+
(
(
(
(

=

9.Update pumping time and repeat the procedure, starting at step 1).
Copyright, 2011
Stimulation Fracture Propagation Models
Nomenclature
a = length constant, ft.
B = time constant, min.
C = fluid loss coefficient, ft/(min)
1/2

E = width constant, in.
G = shear modulus, psi
h
g
= gross fracture height, ft.
h
n
= net permeable sand thickness, ft.
K = consistency index, (lbf-sec
n
)/ft
2

L = fracture length, ft.
L
D
= dimensionless fracture length
P
f
= bottomhole fracture pressure, psi
q
i
= flow rate into single wing of fracture, bpm
t = pumping time, min.
t
D
= dimensionless time
V = volume of single wing, ft
3

V
sp
= spurt loss, ft
3
/ft
2

w = volumetric average fracture width, in.
w
D
= dimensionless fracture width
w
wb
= fracture width at wellbore, in.
w
we
= fracture width at wellbore at end of pumping, in.
o
L
= dimensionless fluid-loss parameter including spurt loss

e
= effective fracture fluid viscosity, cp
o
h
= horizontal, minimum stress, psi
v = poissons ratio
a = length constant, ft.
B = time constant, min.
C = fluid loss coefficient, ft/(min)
1/2

E = width constant, in.
G = shear modulus, psi
h
g
= gross fracture height, ft.
h
n
= net permeable sand thickness, ft.
K = consistency index, (lbf-sec
n
)/ft
2

L = fracture length, ft.
L
D
= dimensionless fracture length
P
f
= bottomhole fracture pressure, psi
q
i
= flow rate into single wing of fracture, bpm
t = pumping time, min.
t
D
= dimensionless time
V = volume of single wing, ft
3

V
sp
= spurt loss, ft
3
/ft
2

w = volumetric average fracture width, in.
w
D
= dimensionless fracture width
w
wb
= fracture width at wellbore, in.
w
we
= fracture width at wellbore at end of pumping, in.
o
L
= dimensionless fluid-loss parameter including spurt loss

e
= effective fracture fluid viscosity, cp
o
h
= horizontal, minimum stress, psi
v = poissons ratio
Copyright, 2011