In an effort to improve hydrocarbon recovery in unconventional formations, a new stimulation method was developed to take advantage of microtectonic forces created during the hydraulic fracturing process which modify the local stress anisotropy near the wellbore for a short period of time. Because of the temporary changes in the rock stress landscape from creating and extending an initial hydraulic fracture, a brief time window exists following that fracture creation wherein a secondary hydraulic fracture can be created in a similar location in a completely different direction. The second fracture provides direct connectivity to previously unattainable locations in the formation. As a result of the increased formation connectivity, a significant increase in well production is achievable. This new stimulation method greatly enhances the state-of-the-art in hydraulic fracturing, and challenges the industry to develop improved understanding of not only the static behavior of formation rocks, but also their transient behavior.

This paper presents operational recommendations for conducting a multioriented hydraulic fracture (MOHF) treatment using abrasive hydra-jet assisted pinpoint hydraulic fracturing, a financial evaluation of the potential benefits of the MOHF process, and the results from a novel transient three dimensional (3D) geomechanics computational simulation of the creation of dual fractures in a formation. Details of the model are provided in addition to recommendations for improving the accuracy of the model for future application.

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