Production EngineeringHydraulic Fracturing
Carter Leakoff Volume for Hydraulic Fracturing Formula
Carter Leakoff Volume for Hydraulic Fracturing calculates leakoff volume for hydraulic fracturing workflows in production engineering.
How engineers use this formula
Use this formula when the listed inputs (A_L, C_L, t, S_p) are known and the assumptions behind the cited hydraulic fracturing 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, V_L equals 1,329.516003 ft^3.
A_Lft^2
20000
C_Lft/min^0.5
0.003
tmin
60
S_pft
0.02
Inputs
A_L
ft^2Leakoff Area
C_L
ft/min^0.5Carter Leakoff Coefficient
t
minElapsed Exposure Time
S_p
ftInstantaneous Spurt Loss
Outputs
V_L
ft^3
Leakoff Volume
A_L
ft^2
Leakoff Area
C_L
ft/min^0.5
Carter Leakoff Coefficient
t
min
Elapsed Exposure Time
S_p
ft
Instantaneous Spurt Loss
Source and review
reviewedEspinoza, D.N. Introduction to Energy Geomechanics, Section 7.3.2.3, Carter leak-off equation.
Source