Proppant Transport Coupled with the Propagation of 3D Complex Fractures

Abstract This paper couple the proppant transport model into a fracturing simulator to simulate multi-cluster fracturing of coal rock. The coupled model considers the three-dimensional fracture propagation and proppant transport. Based on this model, the proppant transport within 3D fractures is studied, and the proppant placement effect is evaluated. The results show that: (1) When the ratio of 20/40 mesh proppant to 16/20 mesh proppant is 4:1, it can ensure both high conductivity and propped area. (2) When the proppant volume increases from 140 m 3 to 280 m 3 , the propped area increases by 40%, but further increasing to 350 m 3 does not significantly change the propped area. (3) The impact of the pumping schedule on the distribution of proppant is not significant. To ensure near-wellbore conductivity, it is recommended to use a ramp-up or pulse schedule. (4) High viscosity fluid cause high net pressure within the fracture, a wide fracture width, and smaller fracture size for the same fluid volume. The research in this paper has guiding significance to the fracturing development of coalbed methane.