PIK-PN Proppant Pack Strength Measurement System

The system is intended for proppant strength experiments and analysis of the data obtained. The system can be used for studying the flowback of proppant from a cell placed under an axial force applied by a hydraulic press. The system can operate with an oil/water emulsion with any water-to-oil ratio. To collect proppant moved from the cell, a proppant collector is used, which allows sequential sampling. The system is fully automated. System control and data acquisition are performed by computer.

Capabilities

There are two types of experiments that can be performed using the system:

Determination of the proppant pack strength by raising the flow rate up to a critical value when the pack breaks.
Measurement of the proppant flowback from a pressurized cell vs time.

Technical specifications

Cell
Dimensions	5.25”х5.25”
Fracture width	up to 1”
Rock pressure	up to 100 MPa
Temperature	up to 150°C
Hydraulic press
Pressure	180 tons
Working area	200х200x230 mm
Dimensions	700х700х1500 mm
Weight	3000 kg
Fluid pumping system
Flow rate	0.1-100 liters/min
Pressure	up to 5 MPa
Flow rate accuracy	1%
Pressure accuracy	1%
Temperature	up to 120°C


	Cells for proppant conductivity studies API-61 cell is intended for proppant conductivity studies. To perform a measurement, proppant is placed between the two planes of the cell. A cell modeling a fracture is placed in a hydraulic press. A prepared pre-heated liquid is pumped through the proppant pack. At a fixed compression of the pack, the following parameters are measured: pressure difference, flow rate and fracture width. Details »