Stress Amplification and Arch Dimensions in Proppant Beds Deposited by Waterfracs

Abstract

Summary Equations and a procedure have been developed to calculate the excess stress induced on a proppant dune that is deposited by a waterfrac with poor proppant-transport characteristics. This method also calculates the dimensions of an arch region that forms above the bed. Stresses on the proppant at the top of such a dune are much greater than usually considered because of the need to support a wide proppant bed and the arch, suggesting that crushing and embedment are likely. The arch region itself is an extremely-high-conductivity pathway that may provide overall benefit in terms of cleanup and production, but may also aid sand production.