AbstractsBiology & Animal Science

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling of proppant transport in a plug-and-perf completion with different perforation phasing

by Jinlin Zhang




Institution: Missouri University of Science and Technology
Department:
Year: 2014
Record ID: 2029685
Full text PDF: http://hdl.handle.net/10355/43435


Abstract

"Perf-and-plug is a completion technique commonly used in multistage fracturing. Fracture performance modeling assumes that fluid and proppant distributes uniformly among all perforations along the length of the wellbore in a plug and perf completion Crespo et al. (2012) has conducted a limited proppant flow experiment using a 63 foot stage, and three 0.42 inch, zero phased simulated perforations. His work demonstrates proppant does not distribute evenly, but the work is limited to a single perforation scheme. In this study, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software has been used to simulate proppant transport and distribution in a single stage of a plug-and-perf completion with different perforation phasing. A CFD model is constructed matching the experiments of Crespo et al. (2013) using a one-way coupling method. The validated, base model is then extended by changing perforation phasing and cluster length to investigate proppant distribution in perforation design recommendations presented by Wutherich (2012). Limited-entry perforation pressure drops determined from CFD modeling are compared to the analytical equation to further validate the work. Two-way coupling method was conducted on optimum perforation models identified in the work. The results of CFD modeling study indicated that proppant does not distribute evenly among perforations within a single cluster. While 60º phasing may be preferred for well productivity assuming even proppant distribution, CFD modeling demonstrates uneven proppant distribution especially for 0 degree rotation. 60º phasing with 90 degree rotated and 150 degree rotated, and 90º phasing with 135 degree rotated perforations are best perforating schemes we found." – Abstract, page iii.