Evaluation method for fiber-assisted proppant suspension performance based on image tracking and Logistic model

This study innovatively proposes a new method to quantitatively evaluate the performance of fiber-assisted proppant suspensions and to address the challenge of characterizing proppant settling velocities in fiber-laden fracturing fluids. An integrated analysis framework is developed combining image tracking with the Logistic model. Firstly, image analysis technology is used to track the proppant solid–liquid interface and obtain time-resolved settling data. Subsequently, the resulting settling curves are fitted with the Logistic model to obtain key model parameters. Finally, the proppant settling velocity is derived from the fitted model, and fiber-assisted proppant suspension performance is evaluated under different conditions. The results show that fibers substantially reduce the proppant settling velocity, and that the settling process can be divided into three stages: acceleration, quasi-uniform velocity, and deceleration. Data indicates that increasing fiber concentration from 0% to 0.5% decreases the settling velocity from 61.42 mm/min to 4.98 mm/min, corresponding to a 91.9% reduction. Further sensitivity analysis ranks the influencing factors on settling velocity as follows: fiber concentration, plate seam width, fluid viscosity, fiber length, and cylinder inner diameter. The method proposed herein provides a rigorous theoretical and experimental basis for quantifying fiber-assisted proppant suspension performance and offers practical guidance for optimizing fracturing-fluid formulations and the design of operational parameters.