Analytical Method to Evaluate Casing Stress during Multi-Fracturing for Shale Gas Wells

Abstract

An analysis model of casing stress distribution and its variation regularities presents several challenges during hydraulic fracturing of shale gas wells. In this paper, an analytical mechanical - thermal coupling method was provided to evaluate casing stress. In the model, the casing, cement sheath, and formation (CCF) system was divided into four stress field induced by uniform stress, deviator stress, shear stress, and thermal stress,. Based on this analytical model, the parametric sensitivity analyses of casing stress such as mechanical properties, operation parameters, and geo-stress were conducted during multi-fracturing. The results indicated the casing stress increased first, then decreased with the increase of cement sheath modulus. However, it always decreased with the increase of cement sheath Poisson's ratio and the injection fluid temperature. The casing stress increased dramatically with the increase of δ. However, it decreased first, then increased with the increase of fracturing pressure. Higher fluid temperature, cement with small modulus and large Poisson’s ratio were effective to decrease the casing stress. In conclusion, the analytical model can accurately predict casing stress and become an alternative method of casing integrity evaluation for shale gas wells. It is a useful and efficient method for a preliminary design, being capable of simulation the actual situations in order to assess the casing stresses and integrity.