A Review of Proppant Transport and Distribution in Slickwater Fracturing

Slickwater, a low viscosity fracturing fluid, is prevalent in the stimulation of hydraulic fracturing operations due to its efficacy in penetrating tight formations and providing the necessary fracture conductivity. However, its proppant-suspending capabilities, which are crucial for transporting proppants to the intended locations within induced fractures, pose a significant challenge. A comprehensive understanding of proppant transport behavior during fracturing is essential for successfully creating the desired geometry of fractures that are kept open by the proppants, thereby enhancing the productivity of the well. This paper offers a comprehensive review of the intricacies of proppant transport in slickwater-based fracturing treatments, drawing upon experimental data, numerical simulations, and analytical models. It delves into the multifaceted interactions between slickwater and proppants, exploring the impact of factors like injection rate, proppant size and concentration, fluid viscosity, and fracture complexity on the effectiveness of hydraulic fracturing treatments. Through a synthesis of existing knowledge and the identification of future research directions, this paper seeks to refine proppant distribution strategies, addressing the constraints of slickwater use and promoting sustainable, efficient resource extraction in the continually advancing field of hydraulic fracturing. Additionally, it aims to optimize fracturing treatments by mitigating slickwater's limitations, thereby ensuring improved fracture treatment outcomes.