Impact of key parameters on far-field temporary plugging and diverting fracturing in fractured reservoirs: A 2D finite element study

Authors

  • Pingli Liu National Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Reservoir Geology and Exploitation, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu 610500, P. R.China; Petroleum Engineering School, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu 610500, P. R. China
  • Fengcheng Lou National Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Reservoir Geology and Exploitation, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu 610500, P. R.China; Petroleum Engineering School, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu 610500, P. R. China
  • Juan Du National Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Reservoir Geology and Exploitation, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu 610500, P. R.China; Petroleum Engineering School, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu 610500, P. R. China
  • Xiang Chen* National Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Reservoir Geology and Exploitation, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu 610500, P. R.China; Petroleum Engineering School, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu 610500, P. R. China（Email：cx_chenxiang@163.com）
  • Jinming Liu National Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Reservoir Geology and Exploitation, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu 610500, P. R.China; Petroleum Engineering School, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu 610500, P. R. China
  • Muming Wang Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary T2N1N4, Canada

Keywords:

Fractured reservoir, diverting fracturing, temporary plugging, finite element method

Abstract

Temporary plugging and diverting fracturing technology is of utmost importance in stimulating fractured reservoirs. However, studies investigating the mechanisms of new fracture initiation and propagation during far-field temporary plugging and diverting fracturing have been scarce, and the optimal technique parameters are still unknown. To address this issue, a two-dimensional fracturing model is developed via the finite element method in this work, which simulates the temporary plugging effect using the equivalent viscosity temporary blockage method and the unrestrained growth of hydraulic fractures by globally embedding the cohesive element of zero-thickness. Then, some key parameters for far-field temporary plugging and diverting fracturing in fractured reservoirs are discussed and some interesting insights are given. Firstly, a lower-permeability plugging zone expedites the pressure increase within the fracture, thereby boosting the probability of achieving temporary plugging and diverting fracturing. The size of the plugging zone significantly impacts the pressure increase within the fracture. Secondly, the plugging position should be determined considering the density and arrangement of natural fractures in the layer, and the temporary plugging construction should be performed after maximizing the elongation of initial hydraulic fracture. Thirdly, an increase in fluid viscosity and injection displacement promotes the pressure rise inside the fracture. Nonetheless, the impact of injection displacement on temporary plugging and diverting fracturing surpasses that of fluid viscosity. Overall, the established model can inform the design of temporary plugging and diverting fracturing in fractured reservoirs.

Document Type: Original article

Cited as: Liu, P., Lou, F., Du, J., Chen, X., Liu, J., Wang, M. Impact of key parameters on far-field temporary plugging and diverting fracturing in fractured reservoirs: A 2D finite element study. Advances in Geo-Energy Research, 2023, 10(2): 104-116. https://doi.org/10.46690/ager.2023.11.05

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Published

2023-10-25

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 2 (2023): November

Section

Articles