Study on Fracture Interference and Formation Mechanisms of Complex Fracture Networks in Continental Shale Oil Horizontal Well Staged Fracturing

Shiqi Lin, Diguang Gong (), Ziyan Li, Junbin Chen, Xi Chen and Wenying Song
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Shiqi Lin: College of Petroleum Engineering, Xi’an Shiyou University, Xi′an 710065, China
Diguang Gong: College of Petroleum Engineering, Xi’an Shiyou University, Xi′an 710065, China
Ziyan Li: Changbei Operating Company, Changqing Oilfield, PetroChina, Xi′an 710018, China
Junbin Chen: College of Petroleum Engineering, Xi’an Shiyou University, Xi′an 710065, China
Xi Chen: College of Petroleum Engineering, Xi’an Shiyou University, Xi′an 710065, China
Wenying Song: College of Petroleum Engineering, Xi’an Shiyou University, Xi′an 710065, China

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 11, 1-19

Abstract: Continental shale oil fracturing dynamics are governed by interactions between hydraulic fractures and pre-existing natural fractures. This study establishes a fluid–solid coupling model using globally embedded cohesive elements to simulate fracture propagation in naturally fractured reservoirs. Key factors affecting fracture network complexity were quantified: (1) Weakly cemented natural fractures (bond strength coefficient <0.5) promote 23% higher fracture tortuosity compared to strongly cemented formations. (2) Optimal horizontal stress differentials (Δσ = 8–10 MPa) balance fracture length (increased by 35–40%) and branching complexity. (3) Injection rate elevation from 0.06 to 0.132 m 3 /min enhances the stimulated volume by 90% through improved fracture dimensions. The findings provide mechanistic insights for optimizing fracture network complexity in shale reservoirs.

Keywords: fracture interference; complex fracture networks; fracture network evolution; volumetric fracturing; continental shale oil reservoirs; numerical simulation (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: 2025
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