A Comprehensive Review of Proppant Selection in Unconventional Reservoirs
Mian Umer Shafiq1, Shabeeb Alajmei2,3, Murtada Saleh Aljawad2,3
1School of Mining and Geosciences, Nazarbayev University institution, Qabanbay Batyr Ave 53, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan.
ACS Omega
|April 14, 2025
Summary
Selecting the right proppants is key for hydraulic fracturing in unconventional reservoirs. Proper proppant selection enhances hydrocarbon recovery by keeping fractures open, optimizing well production and economic returns.
Area of Science:
- Petroleum Engineering
- Reservoir Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Proppants are crucial for maintaining hydraulic fracture conductivity, essential for hydrocarbon recovery in unconventional reservoirs.
- Various proppant types exist, including silica, ceramic, and advanced ultralightweight options, each with unique properties and applications.
- Effective proppant selection requires tailoring to specific reservoir geology and compatibility with fracturing fluids.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of proppant selection strategies for unconventional reservoirs.
- To discuss the fundamentals, types, properties, and novel technologies related to proppants.
- To highlight the economic optimization and challenges in proppant selection for enhanced hydrocarbon recovery.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on proppant types, compositions, and geometries.
- Analysis of proppant performance evaluation based on reservoir compatibility and rheological properties.
- Examination of case studies (Bakken and Marcellus Shale) and economic optimization factors (payout, IRR, NPV).
Main Results:
- Proppant size impacts initial production and long-term decline rates; larger sizes maximize initial output, smaller sizes ensure slower decline.
- Proppant crushing and diagenesis are significant concerns affecting long-term fracture conductivity.
- Advancements include multifunctional, traceable, coated, and in situ generated proppants, alongside ultralightweight options.
Conclusions:
- Proppant selection is critical for maximizing hydrocarbon recovery and requires careful consideration of geological conditions, closure stresses, and diagenesis.
- Economic optimization, including payout, internal rate of return, and net present value, is vital for successful proppant strategies.
- Future developments focus on innovative proppant technologies and in situ generation to improve efficiency and reduce costs in unconventional resource development.
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