Influence of macroscopic natural fractures group on fractures network propagation in deep shale gas reservoir

Abstract

The formation of macroscopic natural fractures in deep shale reservoirs exhibits significant variability and phenomena, such as severe fracturing fluid loss during fracturing and pressure channeling between wells occur frequently and significantly impact the fracturing effect of shale gas wells. We developed a model for the propagation of fracture networks in deep shale reservoirs, taking into account the presence of macroscopic natural fractures, and studied the sensitivity factors of macroscopic natural fractures group characteristic parameters to the stimulated reservoir volume (SRV). The influence of macroscopic natural fractures group characteristic parameters on SRV was quantitatively investigated. The SRV has a positive correlation with the distance between natural fracture groups and perforation positions, as well as the intensity of the macroscopic natural fractures group. Conversely, the density and approach angle of macroscopic natural fracture groups have a negative correlation with the SRV. The degree of correlation between the natural fracture group characteristic parameters and SRV is the distance between the natural fracture group and perforation positions > density > intensity > approach angle. Performing simulation of the propagation of fracture networks in deep shale, while taking into account the impact of macroscopic natural fractures group can enhance fracturing efficiency, lower fracture-related risks.