Model 270 Fracture Conductivity Tester

Model 280 Fracture Conductivity Tester

Examining the properties of commercially manufactured proppants is vital to ensuring a successful fracturing treatment. Proppants that crush fairly easily under pressure generate fines that can significantly reduce the conductivity of the propped fracture and decrease the economic potential of the well. Conversely, proppants with a very high crush resistance can embed into the face of a formation, which reduces the thickness of the fracture and impedes flow into the induced fracture. Both OFITE Conductivity Testers were designed to examine the strength of proppants subjected to simulated downhole conditions of temperature and pressure.

Method of Operation:

The proppant is weighed and carefully placed into the "Cooke" cell using the supplied leveling tool. The cell is placed onto the platens of the hydraulic press and the flow lines are connected. A degassed fluid (commonly 2% KCl) is pumped into the accumulators and the plumbing system is evacuated using a vacuum pump. Pressure is placed upon the proppant with the hydraulic press and the thickness of the proppant pack is determined with a rectilinear position transducer. Heat is applied to the cell via an internal heater activated by a temperature controller. Test fluid is driven through the proppant pack with a chromatographic pump and the differential pressure across the length of the pack is measured via a differential pressure transducer. The known variables of: differential pressure, proppant pack length, cross sectional area, fluid viscosity, and flow rate permit the calculation of conductivity via Darcy's equation.

Model 270 Features and Specifications:

• "Cooke" cell manufactured from 316 stainless steel
• Hydraulic press incorporates heated platens
• Temperature (400°F maximum) maintained via PID controller
• Process temperature is displayed digitally
• Temperature measured via thermocouple
• Transducer measures proppant pack thickness
• Differential pressure transducer measures Delta P
• Six-channel strip chart recorder provides hard copy of data
• Test fluid displaced with chromatographic pump
• Vacuum pump utilized for system evacuation
• Two 1500 cc 316 stainless steel accumulators
• Cooling system included
• Stainless steel temperature bath
• Internal differential pressure calibration unit
• Dome-loaded back pressure regulator for single phase flow
• Proppants tested in accordance to API guidelines

Model 280 Features and Specifications:

The primary use of the Model 270 is for quality control and API testing, while the Model 280 is utilized to examine conductivity under simulated downhole conditions. The Model 280 utilizes a modified "Cooke" cell, which permits the proppant to be crushed between two rock core specimens. Realistically, this provides a more accurate means of estimating the conductivity of a proppant pack in an induced fracture. In addition, observation/degree of proppant embodiment can be visually determined.

Options:

A Data Acquisition System (DAS) is available for both the Model 270 and 280. This option utilizes a PC to measure, record, display, and print all necessary data. In addition, measured variables are graphically displayed and the included software calculates conductivity and permits for professional presentation of results.

Instrument Requirements:

• 40 PSI 10 gpm water supply for cooling
• 220 Volt, 50/60 Hz, 7.5 KVA power source

For more information about this product or to request a quote, contact us.