Interaction of Multiple Non-Planar Hydraulic Fractures in Horizontal Wells

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guanshui Xu ◽  
Sau-Wai Wong
Keyword(s):  
Horizontal Wells ◽  
Hydraulic Fractures

A Novel Design Method for Optimizing the Diverter Dosage in Hydraulic Fracturing Using Three-Dimensionally Printed Fractures

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meng Wang ◽  
Mingguang Che ◽  
Bo Zeng ◽  
Yi Song ◽  
Yun Jiang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Shale Gas ◽  
Design Method ◽  
Pressure Rise ◽  
Horizontal Wells ◽  
Optimization Method ◽  
Darcy Law ◽  
Hydraulic Fractures ◽  
Fracture Conductivity ◽  
Fracture Simulation ◽  
3D Printed

Abstract Application of diversion agents in temporarily plugging fracturing of horizontal wells of shale has becoming more and more popular. Nevertheless, the studies on determining the diverter dosage are below adequacy. A novel approach based on laboratory experiments, logging data, rock mechanics tests and fracture simulation was proposed to optimizing the dosage of diversion agents. The optimization model is based on the classic Darcy Law. A pair of 3D-printed rock plates with rugged faces was combined to simulate the coarse hydraulic fractures with the width of 2.0 ~ 7.0 mm. The mixture of the diversion agents and slickwater was dynamically injected to simulate the fracture in Temco fracture conductivity system to mimic the practical treatment to temporarily plugging the fracture. The permeability of the temporary plugging zone in the 3D-printed fractures was measured in order to optimize the dosage of the selected diversion agents. The value of Pnet (also the value of ΔP in Darcy Formula) required for creation of new branched fractures was determined using the Warpinski-Teufel Failure Rules. The hydraulic fractures of target stages were simulated to obtain the widths and heights. The experimental results proved that the selected suite of the diversion agents can temporarily plug the 3D-printed fractures of 2.0 ~ 7.0 mm with blocking pressure up to 15 MPa. The measured permeability of the resulting plugging zones was 0.724 ~ 0.933 D (averaging 0.837 D). The value of Pnet required for creation of branched fractures in shale of WY area (main shale gas payzone of China) was determined as 0.4 ~ 15.6 MPa (averaging 7.9 MPa) which means the natural fractures and/or weak planes with approaching angle less than 70° could be opened to increase the SRV. The typical dosage of the diversion agents used for one stage of the horizontal wells (averaging TVD 3600 m) was calculated as 232 ~ 310 kg. The optimization method was applied to the design job of temporarily plugging fracturing of two shale gas wells. The observed surface pressure rise after injection of diversion agents was 0.6 ~ 11.7 MPa (averaging 4.7 MPa) and the monitored microseismic events of the test stages were 37% more than those of the offset stages.

Can We Engineer Better Multistage Horizontal Completions? Evidence of the Importance of Near-wellbore Fracture Geometry from Theory, Lab and Field Experiments

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
B.. Lecampion ◽  
J.. Desroches ◽  
X.. Weng ◽  
J.. Burghardt ◽  
J.E.. E. Brown
Keyword(s):  
Pressure Drop ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Horizontal Wells ◽  
Fracture Plane ◽  
Hydraulic Fractures ◽  
Multiple Fractures ◽  
Fracture Geometry ◽  
Complex Fracture ◽  
Limited Entry ◽  
The Impact

Abstract There is accepted evidence that multistage fracturing of horizontal wells in shale reservoirs results in significant production variation from perforation cluster to perforation cluster. Typically, between 30 and 40% of the clusters do not significantly contribute to production while the majority of the production comes from only 20 to 30% of the clusters. Based on numerical modeling, laboratory and field experiments, we investigate the process of simultaneously initiating and propagating several hydraulic fractures. In particular, we clarify the interplay between the impact of perforation friction and stress shadow on the stability of the propagation of multiple fractures. We show that a sufficiently large perforation pressure drop (limited entry) can counteract the stress interference between different growing fractures. We also discuss the robustness of the current design practices (cluster location, limited entry) in the presence of characterized stress heterogeneities. Laboratory experiments highlight the complexity of the fracture geometry in the near-wellbore region. Such complex fracture path results from local stress perturbations around the well and the perforations, as well as the rock fabric. The fracture complexity (i.e., the merging of multiple fractures and the reorientation towards the preferred far-field fracture plane) induces a strong nonlinear pressure drop on a scale of a few meters. Single entry field experiments in horizontal wells show that this near-wellbore effect is larger in magnitude than perforation friction and is highly variable between clusters, without being predictable. Through a combination of field measurements and modeling, we show that such variability results in a very heterogeneous slurry rate distribution; and therefore, proppant intake between clusters during a stage, even in the presence of limited entry techniques. We also note that the estimated distribution of proppant intake between clusters appears similar to published production log data. We conclude that understanding and accounting for the complex fracture geometry in the near-wellbore is an important missing link to better engineer horizontal well multistage completions.

Application of Hydraulic Fractures in Openhole Horizontal Wells

2000 ◽  
Author(s):  
P.D. Ellis ◽  
G.M. Kniffin ◽  
J.D. Harkrider
Keyword(s):  
Horizontal Wells ◽  
Hydraulic Fractures

A Case History: Completion and Stimulation of Horizontal Wells with Multiple Transverse Hydraulic Fractures in the Lost Hills Diatomite

1998 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.A. Emanuele ◽  
W.A. Minner ◽  
L. Weijers ◽  
E.J. Broussard ◽  
D.M. Blevens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Case History ◽  
Horizontal Wells ◽  
Hydraulic Fractures ◽  
Stimulation Of
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