Simulating Hydraulic Fracturing in Real Fractured Rocks - Overcjavascript:iterm()oming the Limits of Pseudo3D Models

Abstract

With the huge growth in the stimulation of naturally fractured formations, it is clear that the industry needs new hydraulic fracturing simulation tools beyond the limits imposed by pseudo3D fracturing model. Discrete element models (DEM), in which both matrix block behavior and fracture behavior are explicitly modeled, offer one option for the specific modeling of hydraulic fracture creation and growth in naturally fractured formation without, for example, the assumption of bi-planar fracture growth.In this paper, we show the results of the successful realistic simulations of fluid injection into a given NFR using the 3DEC DEM model. The simulations included coupled fluid flow-deformation analysis, failure type and extent calculations, as well as a series of parametric analyses. The parameters investigated included: 1) injection rate and its effect on the overall injection results, and 2) fluid viscosity, which had a significant influence on the ratio of tensile (mode 1) failure versus shear failure.

Numerical methods for hydraulic fracture propagation: A review of recent trends

“…McClure andHorne, 2013), or using an adaptation of the Distinct Element Method (e.g. Damjanac et al, 2010;Nagel et al, 2011). The latter one sacrifices computational time for a more detailed and/or general description of the mechanics problem.…”

Numerical simulation of hydraulic fracture propagation in tight oil reservoirs by volumetric fracturing

“…The simulated natural fractures are non-cohesive or weakly cohesive. Nagel et al (2011) and Zangeneh et al (2012) used a discrete element method to simulate the complex fracture network system. In this model, the rock mass is divided by multiple joints.…”

A Review of Numerical Simulation Strategies for Hydraulic Fracturing, Natural Fracture Reactivation and Induced Microseismicity Prediction

“…Then polyhedral blocks (rigid or deformable) were used as distinct elements in combination with compliant contacts in three-dimensional DEM models by Starfield and Cundall [61] and Hart et al [62]. Recently Nagel et al [63] used the DEM to develop a three-dimensional coupled model to simulate hydraulic fracturing in naturally fractured reservoirs.…”