Modelling simple and multiple bi-wing geometric behavior of fractures propagating from notches of radial wellbore

Abstract

Stratigraphic sequences are sometimes thin, rarely horizontal and juxtaposed due to faulting. Wellbore trajectories in such strata may not lie along principal stress direction. Perforations for hydraulic fracturing may also be inclined to the principal stress direction. Fundamental understanding of field issues like high treating pressure, premature screen-outs, and tortuous fracture paths may be embedded in manner in which perforation azimuths and phase angles are placed. One or more of these issues may influence other drawbacks making the overall problem more complicated. The objective of this study is to investigate the influence of stress shadow effect of multiple oriented and non-oriented fracture perforations on treating pressure and fracture geometries (apertures, lengths, heights, tortuosity) then later introduce a concept of limited fluid entry elements (LEE) to address non-uniform simultaneous growth of fractures. The multi fracture growth is implemented as originating from radial notches of radial wellbore. Simple bi-wing and complex multiple bi-wing fractures simulated through extended finite element (XFEM) will be investigated. Treatment is done sequentially and simultaneously. Results show that sequential fracturing is associated with increasing treatment pressure following sequence order. It is further observed that oriented perforations require higher treatment pressure than non-oriented perforations. LEE minimizes fracture choke-like effect producing relatively uniform fracture development. This study implementing radial wellbore is important for field application of hydraulic fracturing in stratigraphically thin reservoirs. Note: This paper was accepted into the Technical Program but was not presented at IMAGE 2022 in Houston, Texas.