Modeling the Interaction Between Hydraulic and Natural Fractures Using Three Dimensional Finite Element Analysis PDF Download
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Author: Aditya Balasaheb Nikam
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Gas wells
Languages : en
Pages : 202
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Book Description
Natural fractures are present in almost every formation and their size and density definitely affect the hydraulic fracturing job. Some of the analysis done in the past shed light on hydraulic fracture (HF) and natural fracture (NF) geometries. The interaction of the HF with existing NF in a formation results in a denser fracture network. The volume of rock covering this fracture network is called the stimulated reservoir volume (SRV). This SRV governs the hydrocarbon production and the ultimate revenue generation. Moreover, past studies show that a microseismic interpreted SRV can be different than the actual SRV. Additionally, there is always limited subsurface access, which makes it imperative to understand the HF – NF interaction to plan and execute a successful hydraulic fracturing job. A three layered, three dimensional complex geomechanical model is built using commercially available finite element analysis (FEA) software. A propagating HF approaching mainly orthogonal NF is studied and analyzed. Cohesive pore pressure elements in FEA software capable of modeling fluid continuity at HF – NF intersection are used to model the HF – NF interaction. Furthermore, a detailed sensitivity analysis considering the effect of stress contrast, job design parameters, NF properties, and properties of the formation is conducted. The sensitivity analysis of properties such as principal horizontal stress contrast, job design parameters, NF properties and properties of target formation reveals a broad variation in the impact of the sensitivity parameters on the HF, NF, and HF-NF geometry and interaction. The observations and the corresponding conclusions were based on broadly classified sensitivity parameters. The most important parameters solely for HF resultant geometry are observed to be a high stress contrast with stress reversal, highest injection rate, and farther NF distance from the injection point. The least important parameter is observed to be the scenario with almost equal horizontal stresses. However, the most important parameter solely for resulting NF geometry is only the high stress contrast with stress reversal. Conversely, for the considered sensitivity cases, the least important parameters are the injection rate, lower injection viscosity (10 cP), higher NF leak-off coefficient, target formation thickness, Young’s modulus, and lowest value of target formation Poisson’s ratio. Collective conclusions for considering HF-NF are also obtained.
Author: Aditya Balasaheb Nikam
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Gas wells
Languages : en
Pages : 202
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Book Description
Natural fractures are present in almost every formation and their size and density definitely affect the hydraulic fracturing job. Some of the analysis done in the past shed light on hydraulic fracture (HF) and natural fracture (NF) geometries. The interaction of the HF with existing NF in a formation results in a denser fracture network. The volume of rock covering this fracture network is called the stimulated reservoir volume (SRV). This SRV governs the hydrocarbon production and the ultimate revenue generation. Moreover, past studies show that a microseismic interpreted SRV can be different than the actual SRV. Additionally, there is always limited subsurface access, which makes it imperative to understand the HF – NF interaction to plan and execute a successful hydraulic fracturing job. A three layered, three dimensional complex geomechanical model is built using commercially available finite element analysis (FEA) software. A propagating HF approaching mainly orthogonal NF is studied and analyzed. Cohesive pore pressure elements in FEA software capable of modeling fluid continuity at HF – NF intersection are used to model the HF – NF interaction. Furthermore, a detailed sensitivity analysis considering the effect of stress contrast, job design parameters, NF properties, and properties of the formation is conducted. The sensitivity analysis of properties such as principal horizontal stress contrast, job design parameters, NF properties and properties of target formation reveals a broad variation in the impact of the sensitivity parameters on the HF, NF, and HF-NF geometry and interaction. The observations and the corresponding conclusions were based on broadly classified sensitivity parameters. The most important parameters solely for HF resultant geometry are observed to be a high stress contrast with stress reversal, highest injection rate, and farther NF distance from the injection point. The least important parameter is observed to be the scenario with almost equal horizontal stresses. However, the most important parameter solely for resulting NF geometry is only the high stress contrast with stress reversal. Conversely, for the considered sensitivity cases, the least important parameters are the injection rate, lower injection viscosity (10 cP), higher NF leak-off coefficient, target formation thickness, Young’s modulus, and lowest value of target formation Poisson’s ratio. Collective conclusions for considering HF-NF are also obtained.
Author: Debashish Talukder
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Finite element method
Languages : en
Pages : 184
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Book Description
A three-layered, 3-D geo-mechanical model was developed using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software (ABAQUS) to simulate single stage hydraulic fracturing treatment in a synthetic fractured model based on available shale information from literature. The main objectives of this study were- (i) to investigate the interaction between a hydraulic fracture (HF) orthogonally intersecting two parallel natural fractures (NF) and (ii) to identify significant parameters and their 2-factor interactions that affect HF propagation in the presence of multiple NFs. Based on literature review, an initial set of 20 parameters (a combination of geologic and drilling parameters) was selected. Those parameters were believed to affect the hydraulic fracture propagation in a naturally fractured model. Experiments were conducted in two stages. First-order order numerical experiments were conducted under the Plackett-Burman experimental design. Central Composite Design (CCD) was used to check curvature and to take care of non-linearity existing in the dataset. A stepwise sensitivity analysis and parametric study were conducted to identify significant parameters and their interactions. When the HF interacted with NFs, there were three possible outcomes- the HF either got arrested, dilated or crossed the NF. The overall hydraulic fracture geometry depended on the type of interaction behavior occurring at the intersection. The NF leakoff coefficient was the most significant factor in the 1st order experiments that affected the HF propagation in the presence of multiple NFs. CCD results suggested that NF strength at the bottom shale layer and injection fluid viscosity significantly influenced the HF opening in the presence of the natural fractures. The most significant two-factor interaction was the interaction between stress contrast and Young’s modulus of the overburden shale (Ytop). This study will help understand the interaction behavior between a HF and two pre-existing NFs. The parametric study will provide a valuable insight for hydraulic fracturing treatment in a naturally fractured formation.
Author: Yu-Shu Wu
Publisher: Gulf Professional Publishing
ISBN: 0128129999
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 568
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Book Description
Hydraulic Fracture Modeling delivers all the pertinent technology and solutions in one product to become the go-to source for petroleum and reservoir engineers. Providing tools and approaches, this multi-contributed reference presents current and upcoming developments for modeling rock fracturing including their limitations and problem-solving applications. Fractures are common in oil and gas reservoir formations, and with the ongoing increase in development of unconventional reservoirs, more petroleum engineers today need to know the latest technology surrounding hydraulic fracturing technology such as fracture rock modeling. There is tremendous research in the area but not all located in one place. Covering two types of modeling technologies, various effective fracturing approaches and model applications for fracturing, the book equips today's petroleum engineer with an all-inclusive product to characterize and optimize today's more complex reservoirs. - Offers understanding of the details surrounding fracturing and fracture modeling technology, including theories and quantitative methods - Provides academic and practical perspective from multiple contributors at the forefront of hydraulic fracturing and rock mechanics - Provides today's petroleum engineer with model validation tools backed by real-world case studies
Author: Tae Soo Lee
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Enhanced oil recovery
Languages : en
Pages : 382
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Book Description
Author: Farrokh Sheibani
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 312
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Book Description
Although many fracture models are based on two-dimensional plane strain approximations, accurately predicting fracture propagation geometry requires accounting for the three-dimensional aspects of fractures. In this study, we implemented 3-D displacement discontinuity (DD) boundary element modeling to investigate the following intrinsically 3-D natural or hydraulic fracture propagation problems: the effect of fracture height on lateral propagation of vertical natural fractures, joint development in the vicinity of normal faults, and hydraulic fracture height growth and non-planar propagation paths. Fracture propagation is controlled by stress intensity factor (SIF) and its determination plays a central role in LEFM. The DD modeling is used to evaluate SIF in Mode I, II and III at the tip of an arbitrarily-shaped embedded crack by using crack-tip element displacement discontinuity. We examine the accuracy of SIF calculation is for rectangular, penny-shaped, and elliptical planar cracks. Using the aforementioned model for lateral propagation of overlapping fractures shows that the curving path of overlapping fractures is strongly influenced by the spacing-to-height ratio of fractures, as well as the differential stress magnitude. We show that the angle of intersection between two non-coincident but parallel en-echelon fractures depends strongly on the fracture height-to-spacing ratio, with intersection angles being asymptotic for "tall" fractures (large height-to-spacing ratios) and nearly orthogonal for "short" fractures. Stress perturbation around normal faults is three-dimensionally heterogeneous. That perturbation can result in joint development at the vicinity of normal faults. We examine the geometrical relationship between genetically related normal faults and joints in various geologic environments by considering a published case study of fault-related joints in the Arches National Park region, Utah. The results show that joint orientation is dependent on vertical position with respect to the normal fault, the spacing-to-height ratio of sub-parallel normal faults, and Poisson's ratio of the media. Our calculations represent a more physically reasonable match to measured field data than previously published, and we also identify a new mechanism to explain the driving stress for opening mode fracture propagation upon burial of quasi-elastic rocks. Hydraulic fractures may not necessarily start perpendicular to the minimum horizontal remote stress. We use the developed fracture propagation model to explain abnormality in the geometry of fracturing from misaligned horizontal wellbores. Results show that the misalignment causes non-planar lateral propagation and restriction in fracture height and fracture width in wellbore part.
Author: Antonio A. Munjiza
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0470020172
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 348
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Book Description
The combined finite discrete element method is a relatively new computational tool aimed at problems involving static and / or dynamic behaviour of systems involving a large number of solid deformable bodies. Such problems include fragmentation using explosives (e.g rock blasting), impacts, demolition (collapsing buildings), blast loads, digging and loading processes, and powder technology. The combined finite-discrete element method - a natural extension of both discrete and finite element methods - allows researchers to model problems involving the deformability of either one solid body, a large number of bodies, or a solid body which fragments (e.g. in rock blasting applications a more or less intact rock mass is transformed into a pile of solid rock fragments of different sizes, which interact with each other). The topic is gaining in importance, and is at the forefront of some of the current efforts in computational modeling of the failure of solids. * Accompanying source codes plus input and output files available on the Internet * Important applications such as mining engineering, rock blasting and petroleum engineering * Includes practical examples of applications areas Essential reading for postgraduates, researchers and software engineers working in mechanical engineering.
Author: Jaber Taheri-Shakib
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Technology
Languages : en
Pages :
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Book Description
The behavior of natural fractures at the hydraulic fracturing (HF) treatment is one of the most important considerations in increasing the production from this kind of reservoirs. Therefore, considering the interaction between the natural fractures and hydraulic fractures can have great impact on the analysis and design of fracturing process. Due to the existence of such natural fractures, the perturbation stress regime around the tip of hydraulic fracture leads to some deviation in the propagation of path of hydraulic fracture. Increasing the ratio of transverse stress to the interaction stress results in a reduction in the deviation of hydraulic fracturing propagation trajectory in the vicinity of natural fracture. In this study, we modeled a hydraulic fracture with the extended finite element method (XFEM) using a cohesive-zone technique. The XFEM is used to discrete the equations, allowing for the simulation of induced fracture propagation; no re-meshing of domain is required to model the interaction between hydraulic and natural fractures. XFEM results reveal that the distance and angle of natural fracture with respect to the hydraulic fracture have a direct impact on the magnitude of tensile and shear debonding. The possibility of intersection of natural fracture by the hydraulic fracture will increase with increasing the deviation angle value. At the approaching stage of hydraulic fracture to the natural fracture, hydraulic fracture tip exerts remote compressional and tensile stress on the interface of the natural fracture, which leads to the activation and separation of natural fracture walls.
Author: Efthymios Papachristos
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0
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Book Description
Hydraulic fracturing is at the core of a number of naturally occurring and induced phenomena and crucial for a sustainable development of energy resource production. Given its crucial role this process has been given increasing attention in the last three decades from the academic world. Nonetheless a number of very significant aspects of this process have been systematically overlooked by the community. Two of the most notable ones are the inability of the vast majority of existing models to tackle at once the propagation of hydraulic fractures in realistic, fractured rocks-masses where hydraulic fracturing is a competing dipole mechanism between fracturing of the intact rock and re-activation of exiting fracture networks. Another essential aspect of this process is that it is intrinsically three-dimensional which is neglected by most models. To tackle this vital problem taking into account these pivotal aspects, a fully coupled hydro-mechanical model based on the discrete element method has been developed. The rock mass is here represented by a set of discrete elements interacting through elastic-brittle bonds that can break to form cracks inside the simulated medium. Theses cracks can coalesce to form fractures. A finite volume scheme is used to simulate the fluid flow in between these discrete elements. The flow is computed as a function of the pore space deformation in the intact medium and of the cracks' aperture in the fractures. Furthermore, the natural fractures are modelled explicitly and present mechanical and hydraulic properties different from the rock matrix. Employing this model in an intact numerical specimen, single fluid injection and multiple closely spaced sequential injections, enabled the description the full spatio-temporal evolution of HF propagation and its impact on quantitative indexes used in description of hydraulic fracturing treatments, such as fractured volume, fracture intensity and down-the-hole pressure for different control parameters and in-situ stress-fields. Moreover, injections from perforation slots which are not well aligned to the minimum stress plane showed possible creation of percolating non-planar hydraulic fractures of low connectivity, which can be troublesome for proppant placement. Also, strong interactions between closely spaced HF were highlighted by tracking the local principal stress rotation around the injection zones, emphasizing the importance of stress shadow effects. Optimization solutions are proposed for multiple treatments from a non-perfectly aligned wellbore. Finally, interaction between a single hydraulic fracture and a single natural fracture of varying properties and orientations was studied using the proposed model. The evolution of the hydraulic fracture and the global response of the specimen were recorded in a way comparable to existing experimental data to bridge the experimental and numerical findings. Persistent natural fractures appeared to be barriers for the hydraulic fracture if their conductance is high compared to the matrix conductivity or if their stiffness is significantly low compared to the rock matrix rigidity. Low stiffness in non-persistent defects might also cause a bifurcation of the main hydraulic fracture due to the local stress field perturbation around the defect and ahead of the hydraulic fracture tip. Furthermore, high approach angles and differential stresses seemed to favour crossing of the natural fracture while low angles enable shear slippage or dilation on the part of the plane which is not affected by the local stress perturbation.
Author: Kaustubh Shrivastava
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 239
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Book Description
Hydraulic fracturing of horizontal wells is one of the key technological breakthroughs that has led to the shale revolution. Hydraulic fracturing models are used to engineer hydraulic fracture design and optimize production. Typically, hydraulic fracturing models treat hydraulic fractures as planar, bi-wing fractures. However, recent core-through investigations have suggested that during hydraulic fracturing in naturally fractured reservoirs, complex hydraulic fracture geometries can be created due to the interaction of the growing hydraulic fracture with natural fractures. This limits the application of planar fracture models for optimizing hydraulic fracturing design in naturally fractured reservoirs. In this research, we present a novel three-dimensional displacement discontinuity method based hydraulic fracturing simulator that allows us to model hydraulic fracture growth in the presence of natural fractures along with proppant transport in an efficient manner. The model developed in this dissertation is used to investigate the interaction of a hydraulic fracture with natural fractures and study the transport of proppant in the resulting complex fracture networks. This investigation gives us novel insight into the influence of fracture geometry and stress interference on the final distribution of proppant in fracture networks. Based on this investigation, suggestions are made to improve proppant transport in complex fracture networks. In order to correctly capture the effect of natural fractures on fracture growth, knowledge about the distribution of natural fractures in the reservoir is imperative. Typically, little is known about the in-situ natural fracture distribution, as direct observation of the reservoir is not possible. A novel technique of synthetic coring is developed to create a discrete fracture network (DFN) from core data, and it is used to create a DFN based on the Hydraulic Fracturing Test Site #1 data. Hydraulic fracture propagation is modeled in the created DFN, and the results are compared with field observations. As the reservoir may contain thousands of natural fractures, simulations in a realistic DFN can be computationally very expensive. In order to reduce the computational requirements of the simulator, we present a novel predictor step based on the local linearization method that provides a better initial guess for solving the fluid-solid interaction problem. This is shown to reduce computational time significantly. A novel technique, Extended Adaptive Integral Method, to speed up the simulator is developed. The method uses an effective medium to represent the interaction between displacement discontinuity elements and reduces the order of complexity of solving the geomechanical system of equations from O(N2) to O(NlogN). The novel formulation of this method is presented, and sensitivity studies are conducted to show the improvement in computational efficiency
Author: Piyush Gupta
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :
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