Modeling simultaneous initiation and propagation of multiple hydraulic fractures under subcritical conditions

Abstract

Modeling the simultaneous propagation of multiple hydraulic fractures is important for stimulation of horizontal oil and gas wells. A new numerical model for the initiation and subsequent propagation of multiple hydraulic fractures allows the fractures to propagate under subcritical conditions. Including subcritical growth enables demonstration of the importance of time-dependent hydraulic fracture initiation and its impact on the subsequent growth of multiple hydraulic fractures, indicating that this phenomenon can strongly impact the behavior of simultaneously-growing hydraulic fractures, including reducing the suppression of some fractures during growth and reducing the pressure required to sustain fracture propagation.