Presenters
E.J. Novotny, Exxon Production and Research Co.
A method is presented for predicting the transport of proppant in a fracture during a hydraulic fracturing treatment. In addition, the settling of the proppant during closure of the fracture following the treatment is considered. From the final distribution of proppant, increases in well productivity (stimulation) are calculated. The examples given illustrate that proppant settling during fracture closure can determine the success or failure of a hydraulic fracturing treatment.