Optimal Design of Horizontal Well Cluster Spacing Based on Extended Finite Element and Numerical Simulation

Bing Yang; Lieqian Long; Junshan Du; Xu Han; Daobing Wang; Yang Zhao

doi:10.54097/42wq0b70

Authors

Bing Yang
Lieqian Long
Junshan Du
Xu Han
Daobing Wang
Yang Zhao

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54097/42wq0b70

Keywords:

Extended finite element, cluster spacing, fractures, fracturing, stress.

Abstract

As a crucial component of volumetric fracturing in unconventional oil and gas reservoirs, the design and optimization of cluster spacing significantly impact the morphology and production of fractures. Therefore, this paper establishes a multi-fracture propagation geological model based on the extended finite element method to study the scale and morphology of fracture propagation. Simultaneously, a gas reservoir model is established using CMG software, guided by production goals, and incorporating rock mechanics and physical parameters from region M to optimize cluster spacing design. The results indicate that smaller cluster spacing results in greater stress shadow effects, hindering the propagation of central fractures, and increasing the overlap of pressure drop zones, leading to possible repeated modifications during construction. Conversely, larger cluster spacing reduces stress shadow effects but may leave some areas between clusters unmodified, affecting production. Thus, through combined simulation optimization using both methods, a cluster spacing of 10-15 meters is recommended for region M, which has shown good on-site application results, significantly reducing the rate of repeated modifications.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

[1] JIANG Tingxue, ZHOU Honglan [M]. East China University of Science and Technology Press.2017.p.21-23.

[2] Gordeliy, Elizaveta, Anthony, Coupling schemes for modeling hydraulic fracturepropagation using the XFEM [J]. Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics&Engineering, 2013, 253(1): 305-322.

[3] Warpinski N.R. Hydraulic fracturing in tight,fissured media [J].Journal of PetroleumTechnology, 1991,42(2):146-151.

[4] Chen Qian.Study on Fracture Parameters Optimization ofHorizontal Wells in Tight Sandstone GasReservoirs [D]. Southwest Petroleum University,China.2016.P.35-50.

[5] ZENG Qing-dong, YAO Jun. Numerical Simulation of Shale Hydraulic Fracturing Based on the Extended Finite Element Method[J]. Applied Mathematics and Mechanics, 2014, 35(11): 1239-1248.

[6] ZENG Shunpeng, ZHANG Guoqiang, HAN Jiaxin, et al. 2015.Model of multi-fracture stress shadow effect and optimizationdesign for staged fracturing of horizontal wells[J]. Natural GasIndustry, 2015,35(3):55-59

[7] WU Bailie, Zhou Jianliang, Cao Xianfeng, et al. Keyparameter optimization of horizontalwellmulti-cluster.fracturing,in tight gas reservoir [J]. Special Oil and GasReservoirs, 2016, 23(4): 127-130.

[8] WANG Tianiu, CHEN Zan, WANG Rui, et al.A New Method for Cluster Spacing Optimization During Volumetric Fracturing in TightSandstone Oil Reservoirs [J]. Xingjiang Petroleum Geology, 2019, 40(3):351-356.

[9] ZHA0 Jinzhou, CHEN Xiyu, LI Yongming, et al. Numericalsimulation of multi-stage fracturingand optimization ofperforation in a horizontal well[J]. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2017,44(1):117-124.

[10] Qu Zhanqing, Li Xiaolong, Li Jianxiong ,et al.Crack morphol-ogy of multiple radial well fracturing based on extended finiteelement method [J]. Journal of China University of Petrole-um: Edition of Natural Science,2018,42(1):73-81.

[11] ZHUANG Zhuo, Liu Zhanli, Cheng Binbin, et al.The Extend Fi-nite Element Method [M]. Beijing: Tsinghua University Press, 2012: 35-36.

[12] XU Xinli. Stress sensitivity of low-permeability reservoirscontaining micro- fractures and its influence on productivity]]. Special Oil and Gas Reservoirs, 2015, Vol.22 (1):127-130.

[13] Li Hong, Ll Shiyu, XU Zhengyu, et al. Fracture mechanicsexperiment of rock material under high confining pressure[J].Acta Seismologica Sinica,1992,Vol.14(1):124-127

[14] DENG Yan, Yin Jian, Guo Jianchun. A new calculation model forstress field due to horizontal well staged fracturing [J]. Rock andSoil Mechanics, 2015, Vol.36(3):660-666.

[15] SUN Yuanwei, CHENG Yuanfang, SHI Fengxia,et al.Productivityanalysis and fracturing design optimization of fractured horizontalwell in tight gas reservoirs[J].Xinjiang Petroleum Geology,2018.Vol39(6):727-731.

[16] TANG Botao, Zheng Ji, Cheng Weihua, et al. Multi cluster perforaion optimization design method and its application elect of tightsandstone horizontal wells in 0iulin area, central Sichuan[J]. Peroleum Reservoir Evaluation and Development, 2022, Vol.12(2): 337-344.

[17] Belytschko T, Black T. Elastic crack growth in finite elements with minimal remeshing[J]. International journal for numerical methods in engineering, 1999, Vol.45(5): 601-620.

[18] Cheng L, Luo Z, Zhao L, et al. Numerical analysis of fracture deformation and instability during CO2 geological sequestration using a THM-XFEM coupled model [J]. Computers and Geotechnics, 2022, Vol.145: 104664.

[19] Guo ll,Chen Z F,LuoR,et al.A review of the extendedfinite element method and its applications[J].Chinese Quar-terly of Mechanics,2011,Vol.2(4):612-625.

[20] XU Jiaxiang,Ding Yunhong, Yang Lifeng,et al.Analysis of stress interference and geometry of hydraulic fractures based on the extended finite element method. Natural Gas Geoscience, 2018, Vol.29(9):1356-1363.

[21] Xie Y J, Duo Y L, Yuan H. Potential fracture paths for cracked rocks under compressive-shear loading[J]. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, 2020, 128: 104216.

[22] Yuan H, Xie Y J, Wang W. Disturbance effect of weak Mode-II loading on the fracture of Mode-I crack[J]. Engineering Fracture Mechanics, 2022, 259: 108149.

[23] YIN Jian. Research and application of fracturing induced stressfield in horizontal well [D]. Southwest Petroleum University, China.2014.P.25-30

[24] YANG Wenbo. Optimization design of staged fracturing parameters of horizontal wells in tight sandstone gas reservoirs [D]. Xi'an Shiyou University,China.2019.P.45-60.

[25] HU Aiguo. Influence factors and control methods of multi-cluster fracture initiation ofhorizontal well [J]. Reservoir Evaluation and Development, 2017,Vol.7(6): 52-56.