Abstract
The main objective of this study was to understand the impact of formation geo-mechanical properties such as horizontal stress level, Young's modulus and Poison's ratio on the fracturing treatment outcome and also on the complex fracture growth. More precisely, the impact of these properties on the growth of discrete fracture network (DFN).
A single horizontal well model was built using commercially available software to simulate the fracturing treatment. The model was built based on Utica shale properties obtained from different sources. Different scenarios had been simulated based on the formation properties variation of Utica shale and also for different operational parameters such as treatment volume and injection rate. The simulation had been performed using the three dimension design concept to estimate the created fracture geometry and properties. The simulation also performed to compare between the single and multi-cluster fracturing treatment.
The results showed that the horizontal stress level plays a significant role in controlling the fracture orientation and growth and also affects the stimulated reservoir volume (SRV). The bi-wig fracture half length, width and volume were increased as the horizontal stress difference increased while the discrete fracture network (DFN) properties and the stimulated reservoir volume (SRV) were increased. The Young's modulus and the leak-off coefficient also impact the fracture and the discrete fracture network. The formations with high Young's modulus generated shorter and smaller bi-wing fracture and higher DFN length and stimulated reservoir volume (SRV). Thus, the hydraulic fracturing treatments in areas with high Young's modulus values will yield high SRV and better well performance. The increase of the leak-off coefficient will reduce the fracture and discrete fracture network volume.
This research can be extended to match the fracturing simulation results with the field micro-seismic data, and then use the matched results in production history matching for better understanding and evaluation of horizontal well performances in shale gas formations.
