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Investigation of Processes of Interaction between Hydraulic and Natural Fractures by PFC Modeling Comparing against Laboratory Experiments and Analytical Models

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  • Jian Zhou

    (Key Laboratory of Shale Gas and Geoengineering, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100029, China)

  • Luqing Zhang

    (Key Laboratory of Shale Gas and Geoengineering, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100029, China)

  • Anika Braun

    (Key Laboratory of Shale Gas and Geoengineering, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100029, China)

  • Zhenhua Han

    (Key Laboratory of Shale Gas and Geoengineering, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100029, China
    College of Earth Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China)

Abstract

Hydraulic fracturing technology is usually used to stimulate tight gas reservoirs for increasing gas production. The stimulated volume depends in part on the pre-existing natural fractures in a reservoir. The mechanisms influencing the interaction between hydraulic fractures and natural fractures have to be well understood in order to achieve a successful application of hydraulic fracturing. In this paper, hydraulic fracturing simulations were performed based on a two-dimensional Particle Flow Code with an embedded Smooth Joint Model to investigate the interactions between hydraulic fractures and natural fractures and compare these against laboratory experimental results and analytical models. Firstly, the ability of the Smooth Joint Model to mimic the natural rock joints was validated. Secondly, the interactions between generated hydraulic fractures and natural fractures were simulated. Lastly, the influence of angle of approach, in situ differential stress, and the permeability of natural fractures was studied. It is found that the model is capable of simulating the variety of interactions between hydraulic fractures and natural fractures such as Crossed type, Arrested type and Dilated type, and the modeling examples agree well with the experimental results. Under high approach angles and high differential stresses, the hydraulic fractures tend to cross pre-existing natural fractures. Under contrary conditions, a hydraulic fracture is more likely to propagate along the natural fracture and re-initiate at a weak point or the tip of the natural fracture. Moreover, these numerical results are in good agreement compared with Blanton’s criterion. The variety of permeability of natural fractures has a great effect on their interactions, which should not be overlooked in hydraulic fracturing studies.

Suggested Citation

  • Jian Zhou & Luqing Zhang & Anika Braun & Zhenhua Han, 2017. "Investigation of Processes of Interaction between Hydraulic and Natural Fractures by PFC Modeling Comparing against Laboratory Experiments and Analytical Models," Energies, MDPI, vol. 10(7), pages 1-18, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:10:y:2017:i:7:p:1001-:d:104725
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jian Zhou & Luqing Zhang & Anika Braun & Zhenhua Han, 2016. "Numerical Modeling and Investigation of Fluid-Driven Fracture Propagation in Reservoirs Based on a Modified Fluid-Mechanically Coupled Model in Two-Dimensional Particle Flow Code," Energies, MDPI, vol. 9(9), pages 1-19, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Hongjian Wang & Wanlin Gong & Guangxiang Yuan & Xiaodong Wang & Jitao Zhao & Yujie Su & Yuchen Wang, 2022. "Effect of In-Situ Stress on Hydraulic Fracturing of Tight Sandstone Based on Discrete Element Method," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-13, August.
    2. Weige Han & Zhendong Cui & Zhengguo Zhu & Xianmin Han, 2022. "The Effect of Bedding Plane Angle on Hydraulic Fracture Propagation in Mineral Heterogeneity Model," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(16), pages 1-18, August.
    3. Xiaowei Liang & Hui Zhao & Yongchao Dang & Qihong Lei & Shaoping Wang & Xiaorui Wang & Huiqiang Chai & Jianbo Jia & Yafei Wang, 2023. "Numerical Investigation on Mesoscale Evolution of Hydraulic Fractures in Hydrate-Bearing Sediments," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-19, November.
    4. Andrzej Rogala & Karolina Kucharska & Jan Hupka, 2019. "Shales Leaching Modelling for Prediction of Flowback Fluid Composition," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(7), pages 1-21, April.
    5. Song Wang & Jian Zhou & Luqing Zhang & Zhenhua Han, 2020. "Numerical Investigation of Injection-Induced Fracture Propagation in Brittle Rocks with Two Injection Wells by a Modified Fluid-Mechanical Coupling Model," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(18), pages 1-26, September.

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