Evolution features and a prediction model of casing perforation erosion during multi-staged horizontal well fracturing

Large-displacement high-intensity sanding hydraulic fracturing operations often cause casing perforation erosion and thus temporary plugging failures, exacerbate the unevenness of fracture initiation and expansion, and induce casing damage. In order to clarify the dynamic evolution of perforation erosion and predict perforation diameter, the effects of different types of proppants, the viscosity of sand-carrying liquids, and large sand-passing quantities on perforation erosion rate were experimentally explored in the study. The evolution of perforation erosion and the particle size distribution of quartz sand and ceramsite were analyzed in the experiment and a prediction model for perforation erosion under various fracturing parameters was established. Compared to ceramsite, quartz sand had the more significant effect on perforation erosion and the more serious particle abrasion and fragmentation under the same sand-passing quantity. Increasing the viscosity of the sand-carrying liquid slowed down perforation erosion and made the edge of perforation entrance more uniform. As the sand-passing quantity through the perforation increased, perforation erosion in the initial stage was concentrated at the perforation edge. Then, the inner wall of the perforation was also eroded, but the average erosion rate was reduced. A prediction model of perforation erosion considering multiple fracturing parameters was established based on the principle of fluid similarity. The errors between predicted values and downhole eagle-eye observation values were less than 15 %. The model provides an important basis for the optimization of fracturing parameters and downhole casing strength design.