Author(s): Engr. Dr. Ekeinde, Evelyn Bose

Abstract:

Hydraulic fracturing is the most common mode of recovery of the unconventional reservoirs but its effectiveness is mostly hampered by unpredictability involved in the layout of the rocks underground. The synthesis of the geological and geomechanical settings, which are natural fractures and rock layering, that will dictate the shape and performance of induced fractures is reviewed. The critical discussion of the mechanics that determine the success of a hydraulic fracture in crossing, stopping or diverting along a natural fracture according to the approach angles and stress differences is to be considered. Our other evaluations of the contribution of vertical rock layers to the height and complexity of fractures is in terms of the different stiffnesses and levels of stress they possess. Also, the paper assesses the accuracy of the Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) modeling and investigates the new simulation methods, such as Extended Finite Element Method (EFEM) and Distinct Element Method (DEM) to model fracture paths. Lastly, we touch on the field validation technologies that are microseismic monitoring and fiber-optic sensing. We arrive at a conclusion that, in engineering design, consideration of a high-quality geological data is vital in order to achieve maximum operations and the reduction of the operational risks.

Keywords:

Hydraulic fracturing, Geomechanical settings, Natural fractures, Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) and Microseismic monitoring.

DOI: 10.61165/sk.publisher.v13i2.1

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Hydraulic Fracture Propagation in Heterogeneous Reservoirs: A Review of Natural Fracture Interaction and Mechanical Stratigraphy

Pages:1-11