A New Three-Dimensional, Compositional, Model for Hydraulic Fracturing with Energized Fluids

Abstract

While several three-dimensional (3D) fracturing models exist for incompressible water-based fluids, none are able to capture the thermal and compositional effects that are important when using energized fluids. This paper introduces a new 3D, compositional, non-isothermal, fracturing model designed for compressible fracturing fluids. The new model predicts changes in temperature and fluid density. These changes are treated on a firm theoretical basis by using an energy balance equation and an equation of state, both in the fracture and in the wellbore. The model is capable of handling any multicomponent mixture of fluids and chemicals. Changes in phase behavior with temperature, pressure, and composition can be modeled. A new simulator has been developed based on the compositional model presented in this paper. The simulator is validated for traditional fluid formulations against known analytical solutions and against a well-established commercial fracturing simulator. Results from the new simulator are then presented for energized fluids such as CO2 and LPG. This tool is specifically suited for fracture design in formations in which energized fluids constitute a viable alternative to traditional fracturing fluids. This is notably the case in reservoirs that are depleted, under-saturated, or water-sensitive.

Numerical simulation study on three‐dimensional fracture propagation of synchronous fracturing

“…In order to facilitate the calculation, the stress intensity factor theory is used to calculate the fracture propagation in this paper, rather than the implicit level set algorithm . Since the angular change of the fracture in the vertical propagation is neglected, the type II stress intensity factor is not zero at z = 0.…”

A Day in the Life of a Barrel of Water: Evaluating Total Life Cycle Cost of Hydraulic Fracturing Fluids

“…Using this approach, one could use the simulator tool to optimize the volume/cost of the fluid option along with productivity projections. 20,21 Example 2: When water usage and disposal is difficult and costly, water readily becomes the more expensive option.…”

Integrated Approach to Drilling Project in Unconventional Reservoir Using Reservoir Simulation

“…In this case complex numerical modeling of this operation is very useful as it accounts for geomechanical properties of rocks, varying distribution of stresses, gradient of geostatic and reservoir pressure as well as filtration parameters connected with exploitation model of the reservoir [2]. In the case of tight or shale gas reservoirs the 3D numerical models have to be involved where from total stress in reservoir fracture dimension can be calculated [3][4][5]. Fracturing treatment design comes to three technological parameters: slurry injection rates and density and viscosity of used fluids.…”