First clarifying question I have is is it just sand they have used ?
Some proppant sands r ceramic coated.
BUT if it is sand and it works it may have major implications for project economics.
I'm pretty sure Ed Duncan (of Great Bear fame ?) made the statement a while back that they were looking to source proppant sand locally and that might make logistics costs a tad lower.
More interestingly what implications does it have for HRZ stability ?
If they r using plain sand of particular mesh size then imo it says volumes for the HRZ stress stability/equilibrium.
There would be immense stress force (surrounding strata weight) on this reservoir due to the depth and if they r using sand it implies that not only does the HRZ have an inherent stability (ability to retain its physical structure when stimulation releases some external stress force) as per the company annmnts on rock mecks re Haynesville Marcellus reservoirs,
BUT ALSO,
that the PUSH FACTOR from within the pores to balance the external compressional strata force must also be impressive. It implies yet again that there is more going on here in terms of PUSH from within the pores than may have been EXPECTED
Also Db, as Ya pointed out they don't just use one mesh (grain) size. Usually they use an smaller mesh first to fill the initial finer fractures and then a coarser mesh size later for the larger fractures towards the well bore. This also allows for better flow back of deleterious stuff like any flaking clays present so they don't block the artificial permeability channels created by those fractures.
The fact that they have been able to place the predicted amount of proppant needed does imply the fractures have come up the way they wanted. Doesn't guarantee it tho.
They control potential flow back of proppant by having Choke Plates at the well bore that can be gradually adjusted from smaller to larger that allow well flow/pressure adjustment. Not only does this reduce potential for proppant displacement but also just as important regulates the hydrocarbon flow from the reservoir.
It will be important that theres not a hydraulic disconnect in the permeability of the reservoir. The liquids/gas flow needs to stay connected and this is done by not having the well flow too fast and keeping a little relative pressure on the outflowing hydrocarbons.
Kind of like if U get air in the syphon hose when Ur stealing fuel out of the neighbours car.
Some good question Db and ones Id forgotten about due to the GOR/pore pressure issue.
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