Computational Fluid Dynamics-Discrete Element Method Modeling and Analysis of Proppant Transportation Inside Different Degrees of Inclined Tortuous Hydraulic Fractures

Abstract

Summary Optimal proppant transportation and distribution in inclined fractures play a critical role in maximizing the flow conductivity of complex fracture networks in unconventional gas/oil reservoirs. However, existing fracture models have ignored the effect of the tortuosity of inclined fractures, and more efforts are needed in this regard. To address this gap, a comprehensive integration of computational fluid dynamics and the discrete element method (CFD-DEM) is used in this study to numerically simulate the behavior of proppant transport in inclined fractures with tortuous shapes. The results reveal that, as the inclination angle varies, the proppant transport distance and packing height exhibit a nearly linear trend in straight fractures, while, in tortuous fractures, they follow a nonlinear pattern. Additionally, the proppant velocity, fluid velocity, and proppant force chain within inclined fractures with tortuous shapes exhibit significant disparities when compared with their straight counterparts.