Factors Influencing Fracture Propagation in Collaborative Fracturing of Multiple Horizontal Wells

Abstract

Horizontal well-stimulation is the key to unconventional resource exploration and development. The development mode of the well plant helps increase the stimulated reservoir volume. Nevertheless, fracture interference between wells reduces the fracturing effect. Here, a 2D hydro-mechanical coupling model describing hydraulic fracture (HF) propagation is established with the extended finite element method, and the effects of several factors on HF propagation during multiple wells fracturing are analyzed. The results show that with an increase in elastic modulus, horizontal principal stress difference and injection fluid displacement, the total fracture area and the reservoir stimulation efficiency are both improved in all three fracturing technologies. After a comparison of the three technologies, the method of improved zipper fracturing is proposed, which avoids mutual interference between HFs, and the reservoir stimulation effect is improved significantly. The study provides guidance for optimizing the fracturing technology of multiple horizontal wells.