Numerical simulation on the initiation and propagation of synchronous perforating fractures in horizontal well clusters

Lu, Weiyong; He, Changchun

doi:10.1016/j.engfracmech.2022.108412

Cited by 9 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 29 publications

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“…The density (number) of perforations in horizontal wells will affect the propagation of multiple fractures and the formation of complex fracture networks. The initiation rate and number of fractures in the initial stage of fracturing all showed a downward trend with an increase in the stress difference (Lu and He, 2022). In hydrofracturing, whether the fractures interfere with each other to form a divergent or synthesize a single fracture is determined by the fracture spacing and sequence of fracture initiation.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Stratal movement and microseismic events induced by multi-well hydrofracturing under varying well spacings and initiation sequences

Wang,

Li,

2023

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PurposeMulti-well hydrofracturing is a key technology in engineering, and the evaluation, control and optimization of the fracturing network determine the recovery rate of unconventional oil and gas production. In engineering terms, altering well spacing and perforation initiation sequences changes fracture propagation behavior. Fracture propagation can result in fracture-to-fracture and well-to-well interactions. This may be attributed to the interference between fractures caused by squeezing of the reservoir strata. Meanwhile, the stratal movement caused by the propagation of the fractures may lead to either the secondary fracturing of wells with primary fractures or perforation to begin fracturing. Besides, the stratal compression and squeeze of multi-well hydrofracturing will cause earthquakes; the fracture size is different owing to the different fracturing scenarios, and the occurrence of induced microseismic events is still unknown; microseismic events also affect fracture orientation and deflection. If the mechanism of the above mechanical behavior cannot be clarified, optimizing the fracture network and reduce the induced microseismic disaster becomes difficult.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, combined finite element-discrete element models were used to simulate the multi-well hydrofracturing. Numerical cases compared the fracture network, dynamic stratal movement and microseismic events at 50, 75 and 100 m well spacings, respectively, and varying initiation sequence of multiple horizontal wells.FindingsFrom the results, fracture propagation in multi-well hydrofracturing may simulate the propagation and deflection of adjacent fractures and induce fracture-to-fracture and well-to-well interactions. As the well spacing increases, the effect of fracturing-induced stratal movement and squeezing deformation decrease. In alternate fracturing, starting from a well located in the middle can effectively reduce the influence of stratal movement on fracturing, and the fracturing scenario with cross-perforation can minimize the influence of stratal movement. The stratal movement between multiple wells is positively correlated to microseismic events, which behaviors can be effectively weakened by reducing the strata movement.Originality/valueThe fracture network, thermal-hydro-mechanical coupling, fracturing-induced stratal movement and microseismic events were analyzed. This study analyzed the intersection and propagation behavior of fractures in multi-well hydrofracturing, which can be used to evaluate and study the mechanism of hydrofracturing fracture network propagation in multiple horizontal wells and conduct fracture optimization research to form an optimized hydrofracturing scheme by reasonably arranging the spacing between wells and initiation sequences of perforation clusters.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%