An Integrated Fracturing Pressure Diagnostic and CT Scan Approach for Hydraulic Fracture Initiation and Propagation

Abstract

Summary Hydraulic fracturing was recognized as an effective stimulation technique for hydrocarbon production, especially in unconventional reservoir which the permeability is extremely low. The accurate prediction of hydraulic fracture morphology and containment ensure the successful field operation. The morphology of hydraulic fracture strongly depends on its initiation and propagation process. In hydraulic fracturing treatment of the field, the wellbore pressure provided direct information of hydraulic fracture initiation and propagation. However, the response of fracturing treatment pressure corresponding to fracture propagation and morphology was still not fully recognized. We thus performed an approach based on integrated the wellbore pressure diagnostic and CT scanning to characterize the initiation and propagation of hydraulic fracture in unconventional reservoir. Rock mechanical and hydraulic fracturing tests were conducted. We found there were certain chance that fracture initiated and reoriented itself in perpendicular to the direction of maximum or intermediate principle stress. We elucidated that the unstable initiation and propagation indicated that the hydraulic fracture extended aligned to the minimum horizontal stress.Therefore, earlier deduction of fracture propagation and morphology based on treatment pressure will reduce the risk of premature screen out during hydraulic fracturing treatment.