Prop Transport in a Large Vertical Model

Abstract

ABSTRACT A large vertical-slot model without fluid loss was used to evaluate the roles of fluid type, fluid viscosity, prop concentration and flow rate on prop transport and pack growth. Individual particle trajectories as well as overall pack growth were measured. With non-Newtonian fluids, changes in either prop concentration or gel concentration (viscosity) produced significant changes in pack growth. By contrast, a 0.03-Pa·s (30-cp) Newtonian fluid system allowed the prop to settle so rapidly that no influence due to the variables of interest could be detected. A 0.06-Pa·s (60-cp) Newtonian system showed a flow rate effect when the prop concentration was held constant. Observations made during the experiments indicate that some forces present in the gelled system were absent from the Newtonian system. Measured pack growth rates do not agree with those calculated by substituting measured particle fall rates into existing mathematical models. This is true for both Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids. Much work remains to be done before prop transport and deposition in vertical slots is adequately understood.