Application of Channel Fracturing in the Vaca Muerta Shale Formation

Abstract

The channel hydraulic fracturing technique was recently introduced to the oil and gas industry as an alternative to the conventional hydraulic fracturing methodology. Channel fracturing involves the creation of a network of open channels or flow paths within the stimulated fracture volume, enabling the increased flow of hydrocarbons through the channels and into the wellbore. This paper investigates the applicability of this novel technique in the Vaca Muerta shale and presents a case history evaluating the potential production benefits of this methodology.Starting with a calibrated geomechanical model, an index profile was created using the ratio between the young's modulus and closure stress to determine if channel fracturing is applicable in the Vaca Muerta. The technique is compared to conventional hydraulic fracturing case to identify the differences in the created fracture properties. Based on the created channel fracturing index profile, the gross Vaca Muerta shale interval was divided into three intervals (lower, middle, and upper) and the process was repeated across each section to determine the incremental production impact across interval.The result of this study shows that the channel fracturing technique is applicably in the Vaca Muerta shale and can potentially increase the production performance. The analysis also shows that this technique is more favorable primarily across the upper and middle Vaca Muerta intervals than the lower Vaca Muerta interval due to the high organics, low rock moduli, and high stress. Also, permeability degradation of the proppant pack does not negatively impact the overall conductivity in a Channel fracture system. Instead, loss of aperture reduces the conductivity by orders of magnitude.

Experimental and numerical investigations of proppant pack effect on fracture conductivity of channel fracturing

“…For each test, the result was observed and classified into the specific distribution type. For example, the circle at (30,10) represents the experiment in which the pulse time and injection rate were 30 seconds and 10 L/min, respectively (Pu = 5). As this Pu is in the range of type III, the circle is yellow.…”

“…8 As an emerging fracturing technology, channel fracturing has been applied within productive fields since it was originally proposed in 2010. [9][10][11] Channel fracturing involves intermittent pumping of proppant-laden and proppant-free fluids into the wellbore to create an open channel in the fracture through which oil and gas flow. 12 Degradable fiber is added to the fluid system to prevent dispersion of the proppant packs during the operation.…”

Effect of fiber on the rheological property of fracturing fluid

“…Fiber is often used in hydraulic fracturing, such as channel fracturing (Ejofodomi et al, 2014;Gillard et al, 2010;Johnson et al, 2011;Medvedev et al, 2013;Rhine et al, 2011) and FiberFRAC (Bulova et al, 2006;Engels et al, 2004;Guo et al, 2012;Vasudevan et al, 2001), to enhance the proppant carrying capacity of fracturing fluid and to prevent the dispersion of proppant-laden pulses, thus decreasing the settling velocity of proppant and transporting proppant farther within the fracture. According to statistics of Schlumberger Company, more than 24,000 stages channel fracturing treatments have been performed in shale-, carbonate-, and sandstone-rich reservoirs during the last four years in over 20 countries.…”