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Numerical Study on Hydraulic Fracture Propagation in a Layered Continental Shale Reservoir

Author

Listed:
  • Lili Han

    (Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Beijing 100037, China)

  • Yanyan Li

    (Faculty of Urban Construction, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China)

  • Wei Hu

    (Faculty of Urban Construction, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China)

  • Siyu Wei

    (Oil and Gas Survey, China Geological Survey, Beijing 100083, China)

  • Wei Wang

    (Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Beijing 100037, China)

  • Fengyan Zhang

    (Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Beijing 100037, China)

  • Ye Wang

    (Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Beijing 100037, China)

Abstract

The distribution of beddings varies greatly in shale reservoirs. The influence of beddings on hydraulic fracture propagation has often been studied using simplified geological models, i.e., uniformly distributed bedding models. However, the propagation processes of hydraulic fractures in shale reservoirs with complicated distributed beddings remains unclear. In this research, an outcrop-data-based bedding model of a continental shale formation in the Ordos Basin, China, is built. A mathematical model for fracture propagation is built using the discrete element method and is then verified by a hydraulic fracturing experiment. Reservoir-scale simulations are employed to investigate the influence of geological factors and engineering factors on fracture geometry. The study finds that beddings have significant inhibitory effects on fracture height growth; hydraulic fractures have difficulty in breaking through zones with densely distributed beddings. If a hydraulic fracture encounters a bedding plane with a larger aperture, it is more likely to be captured and expand along the weak interface. High vertical stress difference and a high fluid injection rate can promote the vertical penetration of hydraulic fractures through beddings and activate the bedding system to yield a complex fracture network. Increments in fluid viscosity can increase the resistance of fracture propagation, thereby reducing fracture complexity.

Suggested Citation

  • Lili Han & Yanyan Li & Wei Hu & Siyu Wei & Wei Wang & Fengyan Zhang & Ye Wang, 2022. "Numerical Study on Hydraulic Fracture Propagation in a Layered Continental Shale Reservoir," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(23), pages 1-18, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:15:y:2022:i:23:p:8840-:d:981784
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Yanyan Li & Zhihong Zhang & Siyu Wei & Peng Yang & Yanjun Shang, 2021. "Opportunities in Measuring Multiscale Pore Structure of the Continental Shale of the Yanchang Formation, Ordos Basin, China," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(17), pages 1-12, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Yubin Wang & Baojiang Sun & Tianju Wang & Zhiwei Hao & Bo Wang, 2023. "Quantitative Investigation of Fracture Apertures during Temporary Plugging and Diverting Fracturing," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(20), pages 1-14, October.

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