Simulation of hydraulic fracture initiation and propagation for glutenite formations based on discrete element method

Tan, Ping; Chen, Gang; Wang, Qian; Zhao, Qi; Chen, Zhaowei; Ding, Xuanming; Xu, Chaolan; Xing, Feng; Zhai, Wenbao; Yang, Zixuan; Shan, Qinglin

doi:10.3389/feart.2022.1116492

Cited by 5 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 27 publications

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“…It is necessary to combine the actual geological conditions during well factory fracturing. Research shows that in situ stress difference is the key factor affecting fracture morphology [42][43][44][45]. The hydraulic fractures' spacing, the quantity of hydraulic fracturing and the method of fracturing are important components of fracturing design, which have a great influence on the fracture propagation.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Analysis of Hydraulic Fracture Morphology and Connectivity under the Effect of Well Interference and Natural Fracture in Shale Reservoirs

Li,

Zhao,

Cheng

et al. 2023

Processes

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Employing multi-stage fracturing technology in horizontally accessed wells is a well-known way to successfully develop shale reservoirs. The interaction between natural fractures and hydraulic fractures has a significant impact on the fracturing effect. In this study, a coupled model of rock deformation and fluid flow was established using the cohesive zone method to simulate the propagation of hydraulic fractures under the synergistic effect of natural fractures and wellbore interference. The influence of in situ stress, fracture spacing, the number of fracture clusters, and the fracturing methods on the formation of fracture networks was analyzed. Studies on the fracture morphology and connectivity of fracture networks show that when the in situ stress difference is small, multiple fractures can easily form, and when the in situ stress difference is large, they can easily gather into a single fracture. An excessive reduction in fracture spacing may impede the optimal propagation and interconnection of hydraulic fractures. The findings reveal that augmenting the fracture spacing from 5 m to 8 m results in a significant 15.59% increase in the overall extent of fracture propagation. Moreover, it also adds to the complexity of the fracture network. Increasing the number of hydraulic fracturing clusters can improve the fracture length and fracture propagation complexity. When the number of fracturing clusters increased from two clusters to five clusters, the maximum fracture propagation width increased by 25.23%. Comparing sequential fracturing and simultaneous fracturing, the results show that simultaneous fracturing can form a more complex fracture network with better connectivity, which is conducive to increasing oil and gas production. The obtained results can provide a reference for horizontal well fracturing designs of shale reservoirs.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Analysis of Hydraulic Fracture Morphology and Connectivity under the Effect of Well Interference and Natural Fracture in Shale Reservoirs

Li,

Zhao,

Cheng

et al. 2023

Processes

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…The simulations indicated that the induced stress field was the main factor confining the fracture propagation, and increasing the fracture space and pumping rate promoted fracture propagation. To further understand the change in the stress field during the whole production period, the ABAQUS and Computer Modelling Group Ltd. (CMG) (Calgary, AB, Canada) simulator was introduced to analyze the induced stress and production change [13][14][15][16][17][18][19].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Experimental Simulation on the Stress Disturbance Mechanism Caused by Hydraulic Fracturing on the Mechanical Properties of Shale Formation

Tang,

Zheng,

Xiang

et al. 2023

Processes

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Hydraulic fracturing is an indispensable technology for the development of shale oil and shale gas. Knowing the changes in the rock mechanical properties and failure modes during hydraulic fracturing is the key to improving the efficiency of hydraulic fracturing. Based on experiments and simulations, it can be concluded that the injection of fracturing fluid in the hydraulic fracturing caused deformation of the fracture surface, and the rock mechanical properties experienced degradation with a maximum reduction in the rock mechanical properties of 44.24%. As indicated in the experiments, the displacement of the measurement point was decreased with the distance increase between the injection point and the measurement point. According to the numerical simulations, tensile failure is the main failure mode in hydraulic fracturing, but the percentage of shear failure had an obvious increase with the increase in distance between the injection point and the measurement point. Comparing DDS #1 and DDS #5, the DDS #5 measurement point was farther away from the injection point, and the average percentage of shear failure increased from 21.94 to 52.72%. Meanwhile, the increase in the branch fractures also caused shear failure to occur. Comparing Sample 1 and Sample 3, in Sample 3, which had more branch fractures, the average percentage of shear failure increased from 33.12 to 37.58%. Due to the porous medium of the reservoir rock, the enormous pressure generated during the injection of fracturing fluid caused significant deformation of the fracture surface, leading to the tensile failure of the rock. The displacement of the fracture surface caused by the fracturing fluid injection also led to the deformation of the pore throat structure; thus, the shear failure increased when the measurement point was away from the injection point.

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Experimental study on the comparison of mechanical properties of different types of glutenite in the Ma'nan area

Hu,

Yang,

Yan

et al. 2024

Physics of Fluids

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This study delves into the mechanical properties of various rock types found in glutenite reservoirs in the Ma'nan area of the Xinjiang oilfield. It bridges a knowledge gap by exploring the mechanical deformation and failure patterns among different glutenite types. Employing porosity-permeability tests, ultrasonic wave velocity measurements, and triaxial compression tests, this research scrutinizes physical parameters, mechanical properties, deformation, and failure modes of dolomitic sandstone, calcareous coarse sandstone, calcareous fine siltstone, and glutenite. Results highlight a porosity increase from dolomitic sandstone to glutenite, with calcareous coarse sandstone having the lowest permeability and glutenite the highest. Shear wave velocity is greater in dolomitic sandstone and calcareous coarse sandstone compared to calcareous fine siltstone, while longitudinal wave velocity is higher in dolomitic sandstone than in glutenite. Deformation behavior varies: dolomitic sandstone is primarily elastic, and calcareous sandstone and glutenite show elastoplastic characteristics. Dolomitic sandstone boasts the highest compressive strength, elastic modulus, and Poisson's ratio. Calcareous fine siltstone's compressive strength and elastic modulus fall below dolomitic sandstone, while the Poisson's ratio of calcareous coarse sandstone is three-quarters that of dolomitic sandstone. Main failure modes observed are shear failure in dolomitic sandstone, calcareous coarse sandstone, and glutenite, and axial splitting failure in calcareous fine siltstone. Microscopic analyses, including environmental scanning electron microscopy and mineral composition, shed light on the mechanical differences among the rocks. In sum, this research yields crucial insights into the mechanical traits of glutenite reservoir rocks, essential for optimizing hydraulic fracturing strategies in such reservoirs.

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Simulation of hydraulic fracture initiation and propagation for glutenite formations based on discrete element method

Cited by 5 publications

References 27 publications

The Analysis of Hydraulic Fracture Morphology and Connectivity under the Effect of Well Interference and Natural Fracture in Shale Reservoirs

The Analysis of Hydraulic Fracture Morphology and Connectivity under the Effect of Well Interference and Natural Fracture in Shale Reservoirs

Experimental Simulation on the Stress Disturbance Mechanism Caused by Hydraulic Fracturing on the Mechanical Properties of Shale Formation

Experimental study on the comparison of mechanical properties of different types of glutenite in the Ma'nan area

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