Production EngineeringHydraulic Fracturing
Downhole Operating Pressure - Hydraulic Fracturing Formula
Downhole Operating Pressure - Hydraulic Fracturing calculates downhole operating pressure for hydraulic fracturing workflows in production engineering.
How engineers use this formula
Use this formula when the listed inputs (G_f, D) 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, P_F equals 6,000 psi.
G_fpsi/ft
0.75
Dft
8000
Inputs
G_f
psi/ftFracture Gradient
D
ftFracture Elevation Depth
Outputs
P_F
psi
Downhole Operating Pressure
G_f
psi/ft
Fracture Gradient
D
ft
Fracture Elevation Depth
Source and review
reviewedSaydam, T. 1967. Principles of Hydraulic Fracturing. ARI Publishing Co., Page 25.
Source