Abstract
Hydraulic fracturing has transitioned into widespread use over the last few decades. There are a variety of numerical methods available to simulate hydraulic fracturing. However, most current methods require a large number of input parameters, of which the values of some parameters are poorly constrained. This paper proposes a new method of modelling the hydraulically fractured region using void-ratio dependent relation to define the permeability of the fractured region. This approach is computationally efficient and reduces the number of input parameters. By implementing this method with an equivalent continuum representation, uncertainties are reduced arising from heterogeneity and anisotropy of earth materials. The computational efficiency improves modelling performance in stress sensitive zones such as in the vicinity of the injection well or near faults.
Highlights
Hydraulic fracturing is a fluid injection process intended to create fractures in order to increase formation permeability [1]
FEM-discrete element method (DEM) is a hybrid approach that combines the advantages of DEM with finite element modelling (FEM) to reduce the computational load
Practicality and robustness of this approach arise from the availability of built-in relationships in ABAQUS FEM between permeability and void ratio [34]
Summary
Hydraulic fracturing is a fluid injection process intended to create fractures in order to increase formation permeability [1]. The PKN model is better suited for cases of fractures with length equal to or greater than twice the fracture height These conditions are generally applied to hydraulic fracturing in shale reservoirs [18]. The KGD method tends to bea better representative of cases where the fracture length is equal to or less than its height Such fracture conditions are mainly applicable to brownfields applications where fracturing is used to revive production [19,20]. Such techniques attempt to combine the advantages of two methods to improve their performance [27,28] Another type of modelling approach that has received less attention is a class of methods called equivalent continuum techniques. Previous applications of equivalent continuum approaches have tended to largely focus on relatively shallow depths of analysis [29,30,31,32]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
