When fracture proppants are subjected to cyclic loading, the conductivity of the fracture is reduced. This paper presents laboratory results to quantify the degradation of sand and intermediate-strength proppants (ISP's) as closure stress is loaded cyclically to the proppant. The results imply that, if a deep gas well is opened and then shut in repeatedly, permanent damage to the hydraulic fracture will occur.

Keywords:
net closure stress, cyclic loading, fracturing materials, upstream oil & gas, fracture, hydraulic fracture proppant, fracture proppant, hydraulic fracturing, proppant, brady sand
Subjects:
Fracturing materials (fluids, proppant), Hydraulic Fracturing
Copyright 1992, Society of Petroleum Engineers
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