Production EngineeringHydraulic Fracturing
Flow Through Fracture in Response to Pressure Gradient Formula
Flow Through Fracture in Response to Pressure Gradient calculates flow rate for hydraulic fracturing workflows in production engineering.
How engineers use this formula
Use this formula when the listed inputs (DeltaP, mu, L, nu, P_f, S_c, E) 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, Q equals 0.000024 ft^3/s.
DeltaPpsi
100
mucP
50
Lft
100
nudimensionless
0.25
P_fpsi
6000
S_cpsi
5000
Epsi
3000000
Inputs
DeltaP
psiPressure Gradient
mu
cPFluid Viscosity
L
ftFracture Length
nu
dimensionlessPoisson Ratio
P_f
psiFracture Pressure
S_c
psiLeast Principal Stress
E
psiYoung's Modulus
Outputs
Q
ft^3/s
Flow Rate
DeltaP
psi
Pressure Gradient
mu
cP
Fluid Viscosity
L
ft
Fracture Length
E
psi
Young's Modulus
P_f
psi
Fracture Pressure
S_c
psi
Least Principal Stress
nu
dimensionless
Poisson Ratio
Source and review
reviewedZoback, M.D. Reservoir Geomechanics, Cambridge University Press, Page 142.
Source