Chapter 10: Hydraulic Fracturing-Treatment Design Available to Purchase

In the hydraulic fracturing process, single or multiple fractures are created in geologic formations by pumping fluid at a pressure greater than the minimum principal stress into the targeted rock. After the created fractures have achieved sufficient width and length, a solid propping agent is typically added to the fracturing fluid. This prevents the fractures from completely closing when pressure inside the fractures is reduced during the production phase. The resulting fractures establish a large contact area with the reservoir and have a conductive property that eases the flow of oil and gas into the wellbore, resulting in enhanced hydrocarbon production.