A model for proppant dynamics in a perforated wellbore

TL;DR

This paper develops a comprehensive model for proppant particle behavior in perforated wellbores, accounting for particle distribution and turning phenomena, calibrated with laboratory data, and validated against experimental and computational results.

Contribution

It introduces a novel integrated model for proppant dynamics in perforated wellbores, combining particle distribution and turning mechanisms, validated with laboratory and field data.

Findings

The model accurately predicts steady-state particle and velocity profiles.

It captures the transition from initial to steady-state flow conditions.

Model comparisons show good agreement with experimental and computational data.

Abstract

This paper presents a model to simulate behavior of particle-laden slurry in a horizontal perforated wellbore with the goal of quantifying fluid and particle distribution between the perforations. There are two primary phenomena that influence the result. The first one is the non-uniform particle distribution within the wellbore's cross-section and how it changes along the flow. The second phenomenon is related to the ability of particles to turn from the wellbore to a perforation. Consequently, the paper considers both of these phenomena independently at first, and then they are combined to address the whole problem of flow in a perforated wellbore. A mathematical model for calculating the particle and velocity profiles within the wellbore is developed. The model is calibrated against available laboratory data for various flow velocities, particle diameters, pipe diameters, and particle volume fractions. It predicts a steady-state solution for the particle and velocity profiles, as well as it captures the transition in time from a given state to the steady-state solution. A mathematical model for the problem of particle turning is developed and is calibrated against available experimental and computational data. Solutions for the both sub-problems are combined to develop a model for the perforated wellbore. Results are compared (not calibrated) to a series of laboratory and field scale experiments for perforated wellbores. Comparison with the available computational results is presented as well.