Analysis of hydraulic fracturing propagation using PKN fracture model

Damage and low permeability of reservoir formation could severely influence the reservoir productivity during different phases of fluid recovery from the underground. Stimulation techniques, such as hydraulic fracturing, can contribute to enhance the productivity of reservoirs. Therefore, it is indispensable to understand the effect of different parameters on hydraulic fracturing before stimulation treatment. This paper presents a linear elastic hydraulic fracture model to demonstrate how fracturing fluid viscosity and injection flow rate influence the total fractures propagation. To do this the Perkins-Kern-Nordgren (PKN) model for fracture widths caused by Newtonian fluids in laminar flow for vertical fractures is used. In addition, we discuss the impact of several parameters such as fracturing fluid viscosity and rock properties on the fracture width and fracturing pressure. The results have shown that a short and wide fracture will be generated due to applying high viscosity fracturing fluid. Whereas, fracturing pressure increases in proportion to Young modulus and Poisson’s ratio. This study indicates the feasibility of obtaining better hydraulic fracturing treatment by increasing knowledge about reservoir rock properties and selecting an optimum fracturing fluid viscosity.

Keywords:

Hydraulic fracturing , PKN model , Propagation , Fluid viscosity , Rock properties