We present the digital slot — a tool for the development of new hydraulic fracturing technologies via digitization of slurry flow in narrow channels. We consider slurry containing fluid, proppant, and fiber components. The flow is described by a continuum mathematical model based on the lubrication theory. The numerical algorithm utilizes Lagrangian approach with finite volume pressure solver. We present the results of laboratory validation and simulation examples showing the key effects affecting solids transport in hydraulic fracturing: settling, bridging, gravity slumping, materials degradation, viscosity contrast, and bank formation.

Работа выполнена в рамках научно-исследовательской работы в КТИ ВТ СО РАН (программа Президиума РАН №15.4) и при финансовой поддержке РФФИ (проект №13-01-12032-офи_м). Расчет напряженно-деформированного состояния...

We introduced fracture hydrodynamics and in-situ kinetics model capable of simulating particle size distribution of propping agent. We demonstrated on several cases that accounting for particle size distribution in numerical simulation of hydraulic fracturing results in a noticeable difference of predicted fracture geometry and conductivity, as compared to the modeling approach where propping agent is represented by one effective mean diameter.