Masters Theses

Author

Jinlin Zhang

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.

Advisor(s)

Dunn-Norman, Shari

Committee Member(s)

Flori, Ralph E.
Anwar, Shadab

Department(s)

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Petroleum Engineering

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

Spring 2014

Pagination

79 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 63-64).

Rights

© 2014 Jinlin Zhang, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Computational fluid dynamics
Fluid dynamics -- Mathematical models
Materials -- Mathematical models
Oil wells -- Hydraulic fracturing

Thesis Number

T 10496

Electronic OCLC #

882552355

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