Effect of Proppant Production on Long-Term Recovery in Shale Gas Reservoirs

Horizontal wells combined with effective fracture stimulation enabled economic development of shale gas reservoirs in the United States. During fracturing, propping agents are placed in the created hydraulic fractures to maintain a highly conductive flow path for fluids flow. However, proppant production occurs in the field. In this research, we will (1) first investigate the mechanisms of proppant production through a critical review and analysis of laboratory studies and published work; (2) develop mathematical correlations to quantitatively predict the fracture conductivity changes due to proppant production; (3) build the correlations into a reservoir simulation model to analyze proppant production and its impact on long term recovery; (4) conduct a comprehensive and systematic analysis to understand factors affecting proppant production and ultimate gas recovery; and (5) provide guidelines to mitigate and prevent proppant production and to increase long-term gas recovery. Based on the simulation results using 40/70 mesh proppant (where stimulated reservoir volume is 15 mD·ft), if propped height changes with proppant production, cumulative gas production could decrease by 28% in 10 years. Landing wells away from the open arch region and production management could be effective in mitigating proppant production.