Coupled 3-D numerical simulation of proppant distribution and hydraulic fracturing performance optimization in Marcellus shale reservoirs

Uncertainty analysis of the reservoir behavior using experimental design technique shows that hydraulic fracturing efficiency on production performance can be highly influenced by reservoir matrix permeability, i.e., uncontrollable variable. This implies that the same hydraulic fracturing procedure applied in conventional reservoirs might not be as efficient in unconventional reservoir and special attention to reservoir characteristics needs to be made while designing the hydraulic fracturing procedure. Followed by reservoir matrix permeability, proppant volume and relative proppant/fluid density have the highest impact on hydraulic fracturing efficiency. This study couples hydraulic fracturing simulation with reservoir simulation and is a unique approach for the further understanding of proppant transport and settling, fracture geometry variation and fracture production performance. It also provides foundation for the development of sound numerical models for hydraulic fracturing design.