Semi Analytical Model for Predicting Screen-out in Hydraulic Fracturing in Vertical Wells

Abstract The use of hydraulic fracturing has been greatly increased in the petroleum industry over the past few decades. However, the issue of screen-out has remained since proppants were first used in hydraulic fracturing. Due to the serious consequences caused by the screen-out, it is desirable to avoid or delay it where possible in the implementation process of hydraulic fracturing. This paper provides a mathematical method for estimating the screen-out time during hydraulic fracturing in vertical wells. The model result is consistent with field observations. Sensitivity analyses in this paper show that the viscosity of the fracturing fluid, proppant density, injection rate and ratio of proppant volume to fracturing fluid volume significantly affect the screen-out time and characteristics of the proppant pile. This model can be used as a general tool for optimizing fracturing parameters in vertical wells in order to minimize the screen-out effect.