Analysis of the Fracturing Sequence Effect on the Multi-Fracture Propagation in the Horizontal Well of the Tight Sandsto

Summary The complexities and challenges of unconventional reservoirs necessitate the research on the hydraulic fracturing exploration and development. Multi-stage clustering hydraulic fracture of the horizontal well is an important technique for enhanced oil recovery of low permeability reservoir as it extends the drainage radius. The stresses among perforation clusters is essential for multiple clusters staged hydraulic fracture of sandstone horizontal well. Results from mining field demonstrates that fracturing sequences determine the multiple-fracture distribution. In this paper, we analyzed fracture distribution of the four injection points sequential fracturing by the extended finite element method according to fluid-solid coupling and rock fracturing mechanics. The simulation results show that the fracturing sequence determines the induced stress distribution, thus affecting the effective length of the cracks. Comparing the fracture distribution of the four point sequential fracturing in the horizontal well, we found the optimize way of the sequential fracturing to decrease the impacts of the induced stress on hydraulic fracturing as it increases the possibility of effective cracking.