Influence of Proppant Parameters on Hydraulic Fracture Conductivity

This study focuses on the influence of proppant parameters on the long-term conductivity of hydraulic fractures. Embedment of proppants in fracture walls and proppant crushing was studied using FCMS-V fracture conductivity system, field emission scanning electron microscope, polarization microscope and the screening analysis. The correlations between the conductivity, grain size, grain-size composition, proppant concentration and placement technique, closure pressure of fractures and proppant embedment were revealed. Embedment and crushing of proppant grains of different size under different fracture closure pressures were discussed. The recommendations on proppant placement during hydraulic fracturing were given as a case study of coalbed methane production in YC site of Ordos Basin in China.