Production EngineeringHydraulic Fracturing
Fracture Width - GDK Method Formula
Fracture Width - GDK Method calculates fracture width for hydraulic fracturing workflows in production engineering.
How engineers use this formula
Use this formula when the listed inputs (Q, G, mu, L, H) 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, w equals 0.260229 in.
Qbbl/min
18
Gpsi
1800000
mucP
45
Lft
320
Hft
55
Inputs
Q
bbl/minFracturing Fluid Flow Rate
G
psiShear Modulus
mu
cPFracturing Fluid Viscosity
L
ftFracture Length
H
ftFracture Height
Outputs
w
in
Fracture Width
Q
bbl/min
Fracturing Fluid Flow Rate
G
psi
Shear Modulus
Source and review
reviewedDaneshy, A. 2013. Fundamentals of Hydraulic Fracturing. Daneshy Consultants International, Page 70.
Source