LAPSE:2019.0515
Published Article
LAPSE:2019.0515
Numerical Investigation of Hydraulic Fracture Propagation Based on Cohesive Zone Model in Naturally Fractured Formations
April 15, 2019
Complex propagation patterns of hydraulic fractures often play important roles in naturally fractured formations due to complex mechanisms. Therefore, understanding propagation patterns and the geometry of fractures is essential for hydraulic fracturing design. In this work, a seepageā»stressā»damage coupled model based on the finite pore pressure cohesive zone (PPCZ) method was developed to investigate hydraulic fracture propagation behavior in a naturally fractured reservoir. Compared with the traditional finite element method, the coupled model with global insertion cohesive elements realizes arbitrary propagation of fluid-driven fractures. Numerical simulations of multiple-cluster hydraulic fracturing were carried out to investigate the sensitivities of a multitude of parameters. The results reveal that stress interference from multiple-clusters is responsible for serious suppression and diversion of the fracture network. A lower stress difference benefits the fracture network and helps open natural fractures. By comparing the mechanism of fluid injection, the maximal fracture network can be achieved with various injection rates and viscosities at different fracturing stages. Cluster parameters, including the number of clusters and their spacing, were optimal, satisfying the requirement of creating a large fracture network. These results offer new insights into the propagation pattern of fluid driven fractures and should act as a guide for multiple-cluster hydraulic fracturing, which can help increase the hydraulic fracture volume in naturally fractured reservoirs.
Keywords
hydraulic fractures, multitude parameters, naturally fracture, PPCZ, propagation pattern, stress interference
Subject
Suggested Citation
Li J, Dong S, Hua W, Li X, Pan X. Numerical Investigation of Hydraulic Fracture Propagation Based on Cohesive Zone Model in Naturally Fractured Formations. (2019). LAPSE:2019.0515
Author Affiliations
Li J: Key Laboratory Deep Underground Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education, College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China [ORCID]
Dong S: Key Laboratory Deep Underground Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education, College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China [ORCID]
Hua W: Key Laboratory Deep Underground Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education, College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China [ORCID]
Li X: Sinopec Petroleum Exploration and Production Research Institute, Beijing 100083, China [ORCID]
Pan X: Key Laboratory Deep Underground Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education, College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
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Journal Name
Processes
Volume
7
Issue
1
Article Number
E28
Year
2019
Publication Date
2019-01-08
Published Version
ISSN
2227-9717
Version Comments
Original Submission
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PII: pr7010028, Publication Type: Journal Article
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LAPSE:2019.0515
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doi:10.3390/pr7010028
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Apr 15, 2019
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CC BY 4.0
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Apr 15, 2019
 
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Apr 15, 2019
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Original Submitter
Calvin Tsay
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