Fracture roughness effects on slickwater proppant slurry settling attenuation

This study evaluates and quantifies fracture roughness effects on proppant particle settling in fractures utilizing coupled, resolved computational fluid dynamics (i.e., simulation of carrier behavior) the discrete element method behavior). work focuses specifically “slickwater” based slurries. Rough geometries are generated using a spectral-based algorithm with surficial varied by adjusting fractal dimension root-mean-square asperity heights descriptive parameters. also considers volumetric concentration influence from flowing conditions settling. Results indicate that attenuation quiescent rates is more pronounced rough as aperture narrows. The degree slurry corresponds to height values. A formulation describe average rate quiescently slurries proposed evaluated. Fracture causes erratic velocities slurries, some cases having upward velocity, at narrow apertures or below two times size for condtions considered this work. onset behavior dependent roughness, occurring narrower relative smoother compared rougher fractures. Preferential flow pathways formed apertures, noted cause these behaviors. overall findings provide greater understanding rock fractures, aiding design process enhancement projects.