Technical Situation and Development Suggestions for Sinopec’s Staged Fracturing Technology for Horizontal Shale Oil Wells

Abstract

Staged fracturing technology of horizontal wells is the key to efficient development of shale oil. After more than a decade of research and practice, Sinopec has initially developed the staged fracturing technology for horizontal shale oil wells, which is characterized by ultra-dense fractures, temporary plugging and diverting, high concentration proppant adding and reservoir protection. Sinopec achieved a major breakthrough in shale oil exploration in several areas. However, a gap still exists when comparing technological parameters and the technical level of advanced staged fracturing technology for horizontal wells. Engineering geological characteristics of shale oil in China and abroad were compared, and the requirements for Sinopec’s shale oil fracturing technology and challenges were analyzed. In addition, based on the characteristics of continental shale oil reservoirs, development recommendations for the fracturing technology of shale oil with medium-high maturity and the in-situ upgrading technology for the shale oil with medium-low maturity were advanced with respect to the research and implementation of integration of geology and engineering as well as taking economy and field operational feasibility into consideration. The recommendations can provide guidance in accelerating the building of a technical system for continental shale oil development and achieving the goal of economic development of shale oil.