Geomechanics and FracturingNaturally Fractured Reservoirs

Areal Fracture Intensity from Trace Length Formula

P_{21}=\frac{L_t}{A_s}

Areal Fracture Intensity from Trace Length calculates areal fracture intensity for naturally fractured reservoirs workflows in geomechanics and fracturing.

Calculate

How engineers use this formula

Use this formula when the listed inputs (L_t, A_s) are known and the assumptions behind the cited naturally fractured reservoirs relationship match the engineering case being checked.

Assumptions

Input values are representative for the well, reservoir, fluid, or equipment case being evaluated.
The declared units match the field-unit constants used in the formula.
The cited formula applies to the selected petroleum engineering workflow.

Limitations

The calculation does not replace a full engineering model or operating procedure.
Accuracy depends on the source correlation, assumptions, input quality, and unit consistency.

Common mistakes

Mixing unit systems without converting the inputs.
Using default example values as field recommendations.
Applying the formula outside the source assumptions.

Default example

Using the default inputs, P21 equals 0.5 1/ft.

L_tft

500

A_sft^2

1000

Inputs

L_t

Total Fracture Trace Length

A_s

ft^2

Sampling Area

Outputs

P21

1/ft

Areal Fracture Intensity

L_t

Total Fracture Trace Length

A_s

ft^2

Sampling Area

Source and review

reviewed

TU Bergakademie Freiberg. Characterization and fluid transport simulations of fractures and fracture networks, Table 2 and Section 2.2.2.

Source