Fracture Conductivity Comparison of Ceramic Proppants

Abstract

Abstract Lightweight, intermediate-strength proppants have been developed that are intermediate in cost between sand and bauxite. A wide variety of proppant materials is characterized and compared in a laboratory fracture conductivity study. Consistent sample preparation, test, and data reduction procedures were practiced, which allow a relative comparison of the conductivity of various proppants at intermediate and high stresses. Specific gravity, corrosion resistance, and crush resistance of each proppant also were determined. Fracture conductivity was measured to a laminar flow of deaerated, deionized water over a closure stress range of 6.9 to 96.5 MPa [1,000 to 14,000 psi] in 6.9-MPa [1,000-psi] increments. Testing was performed at a constant 50°C [122°F] temperature. Results of the testing are compared with values from the literature and analyzed to determine proppant acceptability in the intermediate and high closure stress regions. Fracture strengths for porous and solid proppants agree well with calculated values. Several oxide ceramics were found to have acceptable conductivity at closure stresses to 96.5 MPa [14,000 psi]. Resin-coated proppants have lower conductivities than uncoated, intermediate-strength oxide proppants when similar size distributions are tested. Recommendations are made for obtaining valid conductivity data for use in proppant selection and economic analyses.