Impact of Perforation Tunnel Orientation and Length in Horizontal Wellbores on Fracture Initiation Pressure in Maximum Tensile Stress Criterion Model for Tight Gas Fields in the Sultanate of Oman

Abstract

The goal of the present work is to simulate the effects of perforation misalignment on fracture initiation pressure (FIP). A 3D numerical model of the fracture initiation from a perforated wellbore in linear elastic rock is used to model FIP. This model is based on the boundary element method (BEM) and maximum tensile stress (MTS) criterion. Simulations enable studying FIP sensitivity to perforation orientation and finding the orientation that corresponds to the lowest FIP as well as the FIP change along the length and the circumference of the perforation tunnel. The data used were from different zones and blocks of a tight gas-bearing sandstone field in the Sultanate of Oman. Some practical applications of the study include the decisions on the type of perforation technique (i.e. abrasive jetting or explosive perforations), which greatly impact the economics of the fracturing treatments.

Impact of Wellbore Orientation on Fracture Initiation Pressure in Maximum Tensile Stress Criterion Model for Tight Gas Field in the Sultanate of Oman

“…The important details are highlighted below; the model is described in greater detail by Briner (2015a).…”

“…One of them used a model coupled with the fluid flow, described by Briner et al (2015b). Another project employed a maximum tensile stress criterion model; results of the project related to perforation orientation are highlighted by Briner et al (2015a). Current work was performed using the same latter model, focusing on the wellbore orientation aspect.…”

Impact of Wellbore Completion Type on Fracture Initiation Pressure in Maximum Tensile Stress Criterion Model for Tight Gas Field in the Sultanate of Oman

“…In a more general case, the perforation orientation can be arbitrary, and then the definition of angle ␤ is different. Detailed description of perforation-related modeling and respective definitions is provided by Briner et al (2015a).…”

“…The mesh of the 2520 elements was chosen for all computations. Justification for this approach is in Briner et al (2015a).…”

“…They included two geomechanics projects: one based on a model fully coupled with the fluid flow, described by Briner et al (2015c), and the other one utilizing a maximum tensile stress (MTS) criterion model as highlighted by Briner et al (2015aBriner et al ( , 2015b. The current work was performed using the latter model.…”