Numerical investigation of single and multiple fractures propagation in naturally fractured reservoirs
by Han Li; Yushi Zou; Shuai Liu; Peter P. Valko
International Journal of Oil, Gas and Coal Technology (IJOGCT), Vol. 24, No. 2, 2020

Abstract: The properties of natural fractures (NFs), including fracture size, aperture width, and mechanical properties, etc., cannot be neglected when developing a model of hydraulic fracturing. Without considering the geological characterisation of NF properties, hydraulic fracture simulations will give much less accurate prediction of complex fracture propagation pattern. In this research, a novel two-dimensional finite-discrete element method (FDEM) model has been developed to describe complex fracture propagation in unconventional formations. We developed a natural fracture network builder by considering natural fractures geological observations. Simulations have been conducted to investigate single fracture and complex fracture network propagation in naturally fractured reservoirs. In hydraulic fracturing treatments, opening of natural fractures is determined by geological properties of NFs. For multiple fractures propagation in naturally fractured reservoirs, stress shadowing effect plays a key role in fracture network evolution. This work provides a framework for more realistic prediction of complex fracture geometry in naturally fractured formations. [Received: December 11, 2017; Accepted: July 6, 2018]

Online publication date: Fri, 01-May-2020

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Oil, Gas and Coal Technology (IJOGCT):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

Username:        Password:          Forgotten your password?

Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com