Competitive propagation of multi-fractures and their control on multi-clustered fracturing of horizontal wells

Zhou, Taofa; Zhang, Shicheng; Chen, Ming; Huang, Zhiwen

doi:10.1360/n092018-00059

Cited by 4 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…With the background of the low oil prices, the large-stage multi-cluster fracturing technology, increasing the stage length to reduce the amount of bridge plugs and reducing the cluster spacing to improve the reservoir contact, is the key technology to reduce the cost and improve production (Fan et al, 2019). However, recent studies have shown that reducing fracture spacing will perform stronger stress interference and more uneven fracture length are obtained (Pan et al, 2014;Zhao et al, 2015;Li et al, 2017;Zhou et al, 2019). Pan et al (2014) established a three-dimensional finite element model to simulate the simultaneous propagation of multiple fractures in horizontal wells.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of Fracturing Parameters on Fracture Unevenness During Large-Stage Multi-Cluster Fracturing in Horizontal Wells

Rui

Zhou

et al. 2021

Front. Energy Res.

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Horizontal wellswith multi-cluster fracturing technology is an effective approach to exploit unconventional hydrocarbon reservoirs. The on-site diagnosis results indicate that multi-cluster fractures always tend to propagate unevenly due to stressinterference, therefore it is very essential to study the effect of fracturing parameters on fracture propagation unevenness. In this paper, the unconventional fracturing model (UFM, Unconventional Fracturing Model) is used to study the effect of multi-cluster fracturing parameters on fracture unevenness in a large stage. This model has been validated with the actual fracturing case on-site in the Longmaxi shale. The investigated parameters include completion parameters (cluster spacing, number of perforations per cluster), pumping parameters (fluid injection intensity and proppant injection intensity). Our simulation results show that firstly reducing fracture spacing will increase stress interference, andhydraulic fractures exhibit a “radial” pattern. Secondly, reducing the perforation number of a single cluster can promote the more uniform propagation of multi-cluster fractures. Thirdly, increasing the fluid injection intensity will increase the fracture length, but will also increase the fracture unevenness. Besides, the injection strength of the proppant has a little effect on the average fracture length and the unevenness of the fracture length. Finally, setting a reasonable cluster spacing and injection fluid strength can obtain a more uniform fracture propagation. Meanwhile reducing the number of perforations per cluster can also reach the goal of propagating evenly. This paper provides a certain reference for the optimization of multi-cluster fracturing parameters in large-stage and multi-cluster wells.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%