Abstract
Design decisions for the layout and properties of perforation clusters in a hydraulic fracture stimulation job are typically based on idealizations that treat the fractures originating from each cluster identically. However, simulations of multi-clustered hydraulic fracturing stages have shown that some perforation clusters may be rendered ineffective due to an increase in confining stresses (i.e. stress shadow) induced by hydraulic fractures originating from neighboring clusters. Two methods to counteract the effects the inter-cluster hydraulic fracture interaction are using non-uniform cluster spacing, and varying the frictional properties of the perforation clusters themselves as investigated in [1], [2].
In this work, the authors present a method for the evaluation of the effects that cluster spacing and frictional properties of perforation clusters have on the propagation of hydraulic fractures during a stimulation stage. This approach is done through the application of the hydraulic fracture simulation capabilities of the GEOS simulation framework, developed at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. GEOS provides a hybrid Finite Element Method/Finite Volume Method that fully couples the mechanics of rock deformation, the flow of fluid through the crack, and fluid flow through the rock matrix. This capability allows for the development of a method for the optimal design of hydraulic fracture stimulation staging that relies on basic engineering principles. For a given set of site properties, multiple simulations are performed with variations in cluster spacing, cluster configuration, fluid properties, and pumping pressure/rate.
In this work, the authors present a method for the evaluation of the effects that cluster spacing and frictional properties of perforation clusters have on the propagation of hydraulic fractures during a stimulation stage. This approach is done through the application of the hydraulic fracture simulation capabilities of the GEOS simulation framework, developed at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. GEOS provides a hybrid Finite Element Method/Finite Volume Method that fully couples the mechanics of rock deformation, the flow of fluid through the crack, and fluid flow through the rock matrix. This capability allows for the development of a method for the optimal design of hydraulic fracture stimulation staging that relies on basic engineering principles. For a given set of site properties, multiple simulations are performed with variations in cluster spacing, cluster configuration, fluid properties, and pumping pressure/rate.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Unconventional Resources Technology Conference |
| Subtitle of host publication | 20-22 July, San Antonio, Texas, USA |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2015 |
| Externally published | Yes |
| Event | Unconventional Resources Technology Conference (URTeC 2015) - San Antonio, United States of America Duration: 20 Jul 2015 → 22 Jul 2015 |
Conference
| Conference | Unconventional Resources Technology Conference (URTeC 2015) |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | URTeC 2015 |
| Country/Territory | United States of America |
| City | San Antonio |
| Period | 20/07/15 → 22/07/15 |