Numerical investigation on hydraulic fracture propagation and multi-perforation fracturing for horizontal well in Longmaxi shale reservoir

Hydraulic fracturing is one of the key technologies of shale gas extraction. Deeply comprehending the distribution characteristics of hydraulic fracture networks in shale reservoirs is significant for the shale gas fracturing design and production estimation. The efficient description of fluid-solid coupling is essential for modeling the hydraulic fracturing process. In this paper, based on the mechanical parameters from the laboratory test results, the fluid-solid coupling model in PFC2D is improved and employed to establish a DEM model for the hydraulic fracturing of shale reservoirs. The key factors affecting the hydraulic fracture propagation characteristic are investigated, furthermore, based on the geological parameters of Changning shale gas production areas, a multiperforation fracturing numerical model of the shale reservoir horizontal well is established, and the distribution characteristics of the hydraulic fracture network in staged fracturing are analyzed and revealed. The results indicate that the main factor affecting the formation of a fracture network in the vertical section of the shale reservoirs is the coalescence of interbedding fractures. A large number of secondary interbedding fractures generated by the primary through-bedding fracture can form a complex fracture network, which is exactly the fracture morphology required for hydraulic fracturing in shale gas exploitation. According to the results of hydraulic fracture distribution characteristics under different perforation spacings, the optimal perforation spacing requires that the fractures extend to the maximum range under the premise of hydraulic fracture coalescence can form an effective network and guarantee low economic cost and construction technical difficulties.