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Numerical and Experimental Investigations of the Interactions between Hydraulic and Natural Fractures in Shale Formations

Author

Listed:
  • Xin Chang

    (State Key Laboratory of Geomechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Science, Wuhan 430071, China
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China)

  • Yintong Guo

    (State Key Laboratory of Geomechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Science, Wuhan 430071, China
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China)

  • Jun Zhou

    (State Key Laboratory of Geomechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Science, Wuhan 430071, China
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China)

  • Xuehang Song

    (University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
    Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China)

  • Chunhe Yang

    (State Key Laboratory of Geomechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Science, Wuhan 430071, China
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China)

Abstract

Natural fractures (NFs) have been recognized as the dominant factors that increase hydraulic fracture complexity and reservoir productivity. However, the interactions between hydraulic and natural fractures are far from being fully understood. In this study, a two-dimensional numerical model based on the displacement discontinuity method (DDM) has been developed and used to investigate the interaction between hydraulic and pre-existing natural fractures. The inelastic deformation, e.g., stick, slip and separation, of the geologic discontinuities is captured by a special friction joint element called Mohr-Coulomb joint element. The dynamic stress transfer mechanisms between the two fracture systems and the possible location of secondary tensile fracture that reinitiates along the opposite sides of the NF are discussed. Furthermore, the model results are validated by a series of large tri-axial hydraulic fracture (HF) tests. Both experimental and numerical results showed that the displacements and stresses along the NFs are all in highly dynamic changes. When the HF is approaching the NF, the HF tip can exert remote compressional and shear stresses on the NF interface, which results in the debonding of the NF. The location and value of the evoked stress is a function of the far-field horizontal differential stress, inclination angle of the NF, and the net pressure used in fracturing. For a small approaching angle, the stress peak is located farther away from the intersection point, so an offset fracture is more likely to be generated. The cemented strength of the NF also has an important influence on the interaction mechanism. Weakly bonded NF surfaces increase the occurrence of a shear slippage, but for a moderate strength NF, the hybrid failure model with both tensile and shear failures, and conversion may appear.

Suggested Citation

  • Xin Chang & Yintong Guo & Jun Zhou & Xuehang Song & Chunhe Yang, 2018. "Numerical and Experimental Investigations of the Interactions between Hydraulic and Natural Fractures in Shale Formations," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(10), pages 1-27, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:11:y:2018:i:10:p:2541-:d:171661
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Robert W. Gilmer & Emily Kerr, 2010. "Natural gas from shale: Texas revolution goes global," Southwest Economy, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, issue Q3, pages 10-13.
    2. Lianchong Li & Yingjie Xia & Bo Huang & Liaoyuan Zhang & Ming Li & Aishan Li, 2016. "The Behaviour of Fracture Growth in Sedimentary Rocks: A Numerical Study Based on Hydraulic Fracturing Processes," Energies, MDPI, vol. 9(3), pages 1-28, March.
    3. Zhaobin Zhang & Xiao Li, 2016. "Numerical Study on the Formation of Shear Fracture Network," Energies, MDPI, vol. 9(4), pages 1-16, April.
    4. Weijun Shen & Xizhe Li & Yanmei Xu & Yuping Sun & Weigang Huang, 2017. "Gas Flow Behavior of Nanoscale Pores in Shale Gas Reservoirs," Energies, MDPI, vol. 10(6), pages 1-12, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Xu Yang & Boyun Guo & Xiaohui Zhang, 2019. "An Analytical Model for Capturing the Decline of Fracture Conductivity in the Tuscaloosa Marine Shale Trend from Production Data," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(10), pages 1-16, May.
    2. Lingyun Kong & Mehdi Ostadhassan & Siavash Zamiran & Bo Liu & Chunxiao Li & Gennaro G. Marino, 2019. "Geomechanical Upscaling Methods: Comparison and Verification via 3D Printing," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-20, January.

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