A Method for Correcting Dimensionless Fracture Conductivity for Non-Darcy Flow Effects

Abstract

This paper provides a method of extending the concept of dimensionless fracture conductivity to the design of fracture conductivity in wells to be produced at rates that cause non-Darcy flow down the fracture. Such flow rates are common in gas wells and occasionally occur in oil wells. the correction requires knowledge of the expected producing rate and calculation of a Reynolds number characterizing flow in the fracture near the wellbore.