On the initiation, propagation and reorientation of simultaneously-induced multiple hydraulic fractures. (January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Duan, Kang; Kwok, Chung Yee; Zhang, Qiangyong; Shang, Junlong
• Is Part Of: Computers and geotechnics. Volume 117(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-01
• Subjects: Hydraulic fracturing -- Discrete element method -- Stress-shadowing effect -- Simultaneous multiple fractures -- Formation heterogeneity; Engineering geology -- Data processing -- Periodicals; Soil mechanics -- Data processing -- Periodicals; Rock mechanics -- Data processing -- Periodicals; 624.1510285
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compgeo.2019.103226
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0266-352X

Abstract

Abstract: This study aims to uncover the growth characteristics of simultaneously-induced multiple hydraulic fractures using the discrete element method. We evaluate the influences of in-situ states and operational parameters on the fracture trajectories. Results reveal that reservoir heterogeneity magnifies the stress-shadowing effect and causes severe interactions among fractures. Higher effective stress anisotropy offsets the stress-shadowing effect and force the fractures to propagate in the direction of maximum stress and results in relative long parallel fractures. Increasing the spacing can mitigate the stress-shadowing effect to some degree. Injection rate and fluid viscosity have a less significant influence on the interactions among fractures.