Analytical and Experimental Investigation of Perforation Layout Parameters on Hydraulic Fracture Propagation

Abstract

Abstract Horizontal wellbore fracturing technology is an effective method to stimulate reservoirs and increase energy production, such as gas, oil, and geothermy. The perforation layout parameters are the key parameters affecting the fracturing effect. To analyze the influence of perforation layout parameters on hydraulic fracture propagation and optimization of the perforation layout parameters, the stress surrounding the perforation is derived, key oriented points and effective oriented angles are defined, and effective oriented criteria are proposed. The principal stress direction angle can be divided into three stages as the distance from the fracturing hole increases: decreasing stage (tends to the connection direction of perforations), stable stage, and increasing stage (tends to the maximum horizontal ground stress direction). A common relationship between the perforation length, the initial angle, the ground stress difference, and the suitable oriented angle is obtained. The results will guide the field application of the above fracturing technologies.