Theoretical overview of hydraulic fracturing break-down pressure

Abstract

The precise prediction of the break-down pressure is imperative to define the pumping schedule and the relevant stimulation parameters of a hydraulic fracturing process. A number of theoretical models have been derived based on different approaches to predict the break-down pressure, under various field/in-situ conditions. Although, the analytical models have been evolved over time, disagreements exist between the theoretical predictions and the laboratory/field results. This paper comprehensively reviews the derivations, evolutions and limitations of most of the existing break-down models and provides suggestions for further improvements. Among a number of theoretical approaches, stress int..