This study focused on whether the addition of drill cuttings, often composed of very fine particles, significantly impair the conductivity of the proppant pack created in the reservoir. The study provides an environmentally friendly solution to the drill-cutting disposal problem with procedures and limitations, and it helps to reduce the cost of fracturing operations. 

Results showed that adding up to 25% drill cuttings to the proppant pack had an insignificant effect on the fracture conductivity. Results also showed that drill cuttings could be disposed of by adding them to the proppant slurry at a rate less than 25% of the proppant rate without causing any deleterious effect on the fracture conductivity created. 

This presentation is from the 2022 SPE Hydraulic Fracturing Technology Conference and Exhibition.  

• Paper Number: SPE- 209173-MS 
• Published: 25 January 2022 
• Authors: Fabián Carrascal-Delgado; Sara Abedi; A. D. Hill; Ding Zhu 

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