A Novel Experimental Study on Conductivity Evaluation of Intersected Fractures

Haitao Wang, Chen Chen, Yiming Yao, Jingrui Zhao, Qijun Zeng and Cong Lu ()
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Haitao Wang: State Key Laboratory of Shale Oil and Gas Enrichment Mechanisms and Effective Development, Beijing 102206, China
Chen Chen: State Key Laboratory of Shale Oil and Gas Enrichment Mechanisms and Effective Development, Beijing 102206, China
Yiming Yao: State Key Laboratory of Shale Oil and Gas Enrichment Mechanisms and Effective Development, Beijing 102206, China
Jingrui Zhao: CNPC Southwest Oil and Gas Field Company Shale Gas Research Institute, Chengdu 610051, China
Qijun Zeng: State Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Reservoir Geology and Exploitation, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu 610500, China
Cong Lu: State Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Reservoir Geology and Exploitation, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu 610500, China

Energies, 2022, vol. 15, issue 21, 1-14

Abstract: Massive hydraulic fracturing (MHF) is currently the most effective technology used to create fracture networks with sufficient conductivity and maximize the stimulated reservoir volume (SRV) in tight oil and gas reservoirs. The newly initiated fracture networks during MHF usually exhibit complex fracture morphology and contain intersected fractures and fracture branches. The conductivity of these fractures plays a pivotal role in determining long-term productivity. Due to the complex geometry, it is difficult to accurately evaluate intersected fracture conductivity through traditional conductivity measurement methods and devices which are designed for a single primary fracture. Unlike previous studies where fracture conductivity was measured using two rock slabs under single-direction (vertical) loading, we establish a novel conductivity measurement apparatus that can mimic different fracture intersection scenarios under both vertical and transverse loading to facilitate the evaluation of intersected fracture conductivity. Based on this apparatus, a standard conductivity measurement framework for intersected fractures under biaxial compaction conditions is also proposed, and stable and reliable conductivity testing data are obtained. Sensitivity analyses are performed to find out the controlling factors of intersected fracture conductivity and the corresponding conductivity evolution law. Results indicate that the overall intersected fracture conductivity of intersected fractures can be divided into three stages, with closure pressure increasing, videlicet, the conductivity rapid reduction stage at low closure pressure, the conductivity slow reduction stage, and the conductivity stabilization stage. Higher proppant concentration results in higher conductivity. However, the conductivity differences among cases with different proppant concentration are relatively small at high closure pressure (conductivity stabilization stage). The more complex the fracture intersecting pattern is, the higher the conductivity would be. The experimental results can provide guidance for the design of proppant placement procedure for intersected fractures.

Keywords: unconventional reservoir; complex fracture; conductivity; conductivity measurement (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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