A 3D numerical model for investigation of hydraulic fracture configuration in multilayered tight sandstone gas reservoirs

Gao, Qi; Cheng, Yuanfang; Yan, Cheng

doi:10.1007/s13202-017-0417-0

Cited by 14 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 26 publications

(28 reference statements)

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“…Based on the method and model of Rungamornrat et al (2005) it was found that the expansion of weakly singular symmetric Galerkin boundary elements can simultaneously realise the propagation of multiple 3D fractures in a single horizontal well. The propagation process of multiple hydraulic fractures was simulated using a 3D finite element model (Castonguay et al, 2013;Gao et al, 2018;Gupta and Duarte, 2014). In addition, the shale gas reservoir in the fracture propagation is a moving boundary problem, which makes the application of traditional finite element simulation more complicated and tedious (Guo et al, 2015).…”

Section: Continuum-discontinuum Numerical Methods and Modelsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Stress-dependent unstable dynamic propagation of multiple hydraulic fractures: a review of stress shadow effects and continuum-discontinuum methods

Wang

Liu

2023

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PurposeThe unstable dynamic propagation of multistage hydrofracturing fractures leads to uneven development of the fracture network and research on the mechanism controlling this phenomenon indicates that the stress shadow effects around the fractures are the main mechanism causing this behaviour. Further studies and simulations of the stress shadow effects are necessary to understand the controlling mechanism and evaluate the fracturing effect.Design/methodology/approachIn the process of stress-dependent unstable dynamic propagation of fractures, there are both continuous stress fields and discontinuous fractures; therefore, in order to study the stress-dependent unstable dynamic propagation of multistage fracture networks, a series of continuum-discontinuum numerical methods and models are reviewed, including the well-developed extended finite element method, displacement discontinuity method, boundary element method and finite element-discrete element method.FindingsThe superposition of the surrounding stress field during fracture propagation causes different degrees of stress shadow effects between fractures and the main controlling factors of stress shadow effects are fracture initiation sequence, perforation cluster spacing and well spacing. The perforation cluster spacing varies with the initiation sequence, resulting in different stress shadow effects between fractures; for example, the smaller the perforation cluster spacing and well spacing are, the stronger the stress shadow effects are and the more seriously the fracture propagation inhibition arises. Moreover, as the spacing of perforation clusters and well spacing increases, the stress shadow effects decrease and the fracture propagation follows an almost straight pattern. In addition, the computed results of the dynamic distribution of stress-dependent unstable dynamic propagation of fractures under different stress fields are summarised.Originality/valueA state-of-art review of stress shadow effects and continuum-discontinuum methods for stress-dependent unstable dynamic propagation of multiple hydraulic fractures are well summarized and analysed. This paper can provide a reference for those engaged in the research of unstable dynamic propagation of multiple hydraulic structures and have a comprehensive grasp of the research in this field.

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Section: Continuum-discontinuum Numerical Methods and Modelsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The propagation process of multiple hydraulic fractures was simulated using a 3D finite element model (Castonguay et al. , 2013; Gao et al. , 2018; Gupta and Duarte, 2014).…”

Section: Numerical Analysis Of Continuous Stress Field and Discontinu...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Stress-dependent unstable dynamic propagation of multiple hydraulic fractures: a review of stress shadow effects and continuum-discontinuum methods

Wang

Liu

2023

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“…Gao et al, 2017 built a 3D finite element model to simulate the propagation of multiple hydraulic fractures in a wellbore to a tight reservoir. In addition, they analyzed and compared the effects of different fracturing techniques and formation properties on fracture morphology [8]. Li et al 2019 used the numerical simulator RFPA-Petrol (Rock-Failure-Process-Analysis on Petroleum-problems) linked hydraulic-mechanical-damage (HMD) model to investigate fracture paths.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Numerical Simulation of Hydraulic Fracture Propagation on Multilayered Formation Using Limited Entry Fracturing Technique

Liu,

Ji,

Huang

et al. 2024

Processes

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Hydraulic fracturing is one of the most effective stimulation methods for unconsolidated sandstone reservoirs. However, the design of hydraulic fracturing must take into account the mechanical and stress properties of different geological formations between layers. In this paper, a three-dimensional coupled fluid-solid model using the finite element method is developed to investigate multiple vertical fractures at different depths along a vertical wellbore under different geological and geomechanical conditions. The finite element model does not require further refinement of any new cracks, requiring much smaller degrees of freedom and higher computational efficiency. In addition, new elements were used to account for local pressure drop due to perforation entry friction along the vertical wellbore. Numerical simulation results indicate that hydraulic fracture connections are observed from adjacent layers. Furthermore, the low stress contrast and high Young’s modulus between the layers increases the likelihood of multiple fracture connections. Higher fluid leakage rates increase the likelihood of fracture branching, but decrease the area of fracture coverage near the wellbore. Increasing fluid viscosity is effective in improving the area of fracture coverage near the wellbore. These findings are useful for the design of hydraulic fracturing in multi-layered formations in unconsolidated sandstone formations.

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“…Parvizi et al (2015) [17] evaluated the hydraulic fracturing performance in tight sandstone gas reservoirs with high perm streaks and natural fractures and optimized the fracture design parameters and well spacing. Gao et al (2018) [18] developed a 3D numerical model for the investigation of the hydraulic fracture configuration in multi-layered tight sandstone gas reservoirs and compared the effects of general fracturing and separate layer fracturing on the fracture geometry and production performance. Wang et al (2020) [19] presented a thermal-hydraulic-mechanical numerical simulator for the simulation of hydraulic fracturing operations in tight sandstone reservoirs and applied it to a field case in China.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Influencing Factors Analysis and Optimization of Hydraulic Fracturing in Multi-Layered and Thin Tight Sandstone Gas Reservoir

Zhang,

Bai,

Fang

et al. 2023

Energies

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With the deepening of exploration and development of tight sandstone gas reservoirs, the remaining recoverable reservoirs gradually become thinner with the vertical stratigraphic structure. The geomechanical properties become complex, and development based on conventional hydraulic fracturing methods often leads to serious problems, such as difficult control of fracture height, penetrating interlayers, too short fracture length, and inadequate proppant filling. In view of the above problems, we conducted a numerical investigation on a hydraulic fracturing scheme in a multi-layered and thin tight sandstone gas reservoir. According to the dataset from wells in a real gas reservoir in China’s Ordos Basin, the relevant geomechanical characteristics of the gas layers, together with the interlayers in the main production interval, were obtained, based on which, a fine numerical model was developed. By using the PL3D fracture propagation algorithm, a 3D hydraulic fracture propagation model was produced, and then using microseismic monitoring and production data matching, a high-precision hydraulic fracture model of the multi-layered and thin tight sandstone gas reservoir was obtained. On this basis, the influence of different geomechanical parameters and fracturing operational parameters on hydraulic fracture propagation was analyzed. Finally, an optimized hydraulic fracturing scheme that fitted the characteristics of the multi-layered and thin tight sandstone gas reservoir was proposed. Using a typical reservoir example, the optimized scheme enabled control of the fracture height in thin layers and the creation of long fractures with better proppant filling, so that the productivity of the fracture was significantly improved.

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A 3D numerical model for investigation of hydraulic fracture configuration in multilayered tight sandstone gas reservoirs

Cited by 14 publications

References 26 publications

Stress-dependent unstable dynamic propagation of multiple hydraulic fractures: a review of stress shadow effects and continuum-discontinuum methods

Stress-dependent unstable dynamic propagation of multiple hydraulic fractures: a review of stress shadow effects and continuum-discontinuum methods

Numerical Simulation of Hydraulic Fracture Propagation on Multilayered Formation Using Limited Entry Fracturing Technique

Influencing Factors Analysis and Optimization of Hydraulic Fracturing in Multi-Layered and Thin Tight Sandstone Gas Reservoir

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