Study of Vertical Fracture Height Controlling Technique in Shale Gas Vertical Evaluation Wells

Vertical evaluation wells are of great importance to shale gas reservoir in the early exploration stage. Mechanic and technology parameters could be obtained by hydraulic fracturing, which could be referred in the later large scale hydraulic fracturing aimed to develop the shale gas. This paper analyzed the geological and rock mechanic characters in some South-China gas shale using true triaxial tests. Differences of in situ stress, elastic modulus and fracture toughness are concluded as main affecting factors to vertical fracture penetrating in the shale. Methods and technology to control the fracture penetrating in the vertical direction were also be derived. Results of this paper could be of practicing referred when designing fracturing operations aimed to obtain mechanic and technology parameters.