Production EngineeringHydraulic Fracturing
Treatment Fracture Gradient - Hydraulic Fracturing Formula
Treatment Fracture Gradient - Hydraulic Fracturing calculates treatment fracture gradient for hydraulic fracturing workflows in production engineering.
How engineers use this formula
Use this formula when the listed inputs (P_inj, DeltaP_h, DeltaP_f, DeltaP_p, 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, G_f equals 0.6875 psi/ft.
P_injpsi
3000
DeltaP_hpsi
3500
DeltaP_fpsi
800
DeltaP_ppsi
200
Dft
8000
Inputs
P_inj
psiInjection Pressure
DeltaP_h
psiHydrostatic Pressure Change
DeltaP_f
psiFriction Pressure Loss
DeltaP_p
psiPerforation Pressure Loss
D
ftDepth
Outputs
G_f
psi/ft
Treatment Fracture Gradient
P_inj
psi
Injection Pressure
DeltaP_h
psi
Hydrostatic Pressure Change
DeltaP_f
psi
Friction Pressure Loss
DeltaP_p
psi
Perforation Pressure Loss
D
ft
Depth
Source and review
reviewedSaydam, T. 1967. Principles of Hydraulic Fracturing. ARI Publishing Co., Page 25.
Source