Measurement of dynamic proppant fall rates in fracturing gels using a concentric cylinder tester

Abstract

This study reports on a series of experiments designed to measure the fall rate of proppants in non-Newtonian fracturing gels in a dynamic environment. The device used in these tests consisted of concentric lucite cylinders with the inner cylinder fixed and the outer cylinder rotating. This rotation introduces shear into the gap which simulates fracture shear. Work with a similar device was reported by Novotny in a recent paper.