Numerical simulation of coated proppant transport and placement in hydraulic fractures based on CFD-DEM

Ren, Lan; Chen, Lin; Zhao, Jinzhou; Lin, Rungtai; Wu, Jianjun; Wu, Jianfa; Hu, Zheyu

doi:10.1080/10916466.2023.2201297

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 23 publications

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“…Wu et al [28] used this method to establish particle transport efficiency under controlled flow conditions. Lan et al [29] established a two-phase flow coupling model, considering the adhesive contact force of the coated particles; investigated the cementation characteristics of the coated particles in the conveying process; and divided the transport process of the coated particles into four phases in the cracks by the dynamic change of the generating pillars of the coated particles, which revealed the mechanism of the conveyance of the coated particles. Sui et al [30] systematically explored the transport and deposition of transient plugging particles of varying sizes and size ratios in vertical wellbores, horizontal wellbores, and fracture sites.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Numerical Simulation of the Transport and Sealing Law of Temporary Plugging Particles in Complex Fractures of Carbonate-Type Thermal Storage

Tian,

Fu,

Tang

et al. 2024

Energies

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Geothermal energy plays a crucial role in the large-scale deep decarbonisation process and the transition of energy structure in our country. Due to the complex reservoir environment of geothermal energy, characterised by low porosity and permeability, conventional fracturing methods struggle to create a complex network of fractures. Temporary plugging and diverting fracturing technology (TPDF) is a key technology to improve the efficiency of geothermal reservoir extraction. However, there is still a lack of knowledge about the migration and sealing law of temporary plugging agents in complex fractures. Therefore, in this study, two multiphase flow models of temporary plugging particle transport at the fracture slit and inside the complex fracture were established by using a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)-Discrete Element Method (DEM) algorithm. The influence of fracturing fluid concentration, temperature, the concentration of temporary plugging particles, and particle size combinations on migration blocking in fractures was investigated. The simulation results indicate the following: High-viscosity fracturing fluid may cause plugging particles to adhere to each other to form clusters of plugging particles, reducing dispersion during transport and slowing down the velocity of the plugging particles. A particle concentration that is too high does not have a better temporary plugging effect. The use of different combinations of particle sizes is significantly better than using a single particle size, which is a key factor for the success of fracture plugging. The research findings are of great theoretical and practical significance for scaled-up, vibration-controlled fracturing technology in geothermal reservoirs.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%