Presenters
M.W. Harkin & P.E. Clark, Dowell Division of Dow Chemical & H.A. Wahl & J.A. Sievert, Continental Oil Co.
A 4-ft by 12-ft transparent, vertical fracture model is used to study the prop-carrying abilities of both non- Newtonian and Newtonian fluids. The design parameters and difficulties encountered in building and operating the model are discussed. Solutions to problems such as uniform distribution of prop in the sample area, uniform flow across the sample area, and reduction of end effects are described. A novel technique is used to record and reduce the prop trajectories. Observations of suspended prop flow in vertical fractures are presented.