Analysis and application of fracture network models of volume fracturing in shale gas reservoirs

作者：Cheng Yuanfang^*; Li Youzhi; Shi Xian; Wu Bailie; Wang Xin; Deng Wenbiao

来源：Natural Gas Industry, 2013, 33(9): 53-59.

DOI：10.3787/j.issn.1000-0976.2013.09.009

• Discrete fracture network models
• Fracture network
• Pumping rate
• Shale gas
• Stimulated reservoir volumes

Volume fracturing in low-permeability shale gas reservoirs which aims to induce a complicated fracture network is a key measure to acquire commercial productivity of shale gas. Stimulated reservoir volume and fracture network conductivity are important criteria of evaluating volume fracturing treatment effect and essential for fracturing optimization, production prediction after fracturing, and economic evaluation. Based on the analysis of volume fracturing characteristics of shale gas, a comparative analysis was made of the two dominant shale gas volume fracturing network models in terms of modeling assumptions, mathematical equations, and parameter optimization methods. In addition, we also selected an optimal shale reservoir fracturing plan in combination with field parameters of the Marcellus Shale Block in the USA. It shows that both discrete fracture network model and wiremesh model can not only describe geometrical characteristics of a complicated fracture network, but simulate the extending rule of a fracture network and fracturing fluid flow patterns and proppant transport methodologies in a fracture network, thereby to acquire geometrical parameters of a fracture network and optimize a fracturing scheme. In terms of a shale gas reservoir with a natural fracture system, it is a key factor of volume fracturing and easy to induce a complicated fracture network with a small horizontal crustal stress difference. Besides, the larger the pumping rate and fracturing fluid volume, the greater the stimulated reservoir volume, fracture network conductivity as well as shale gas productivity.

• 出版日期2013
• 单位中国石油大学（华东）