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Contenido archivado el 2022-12-27

SOFTWARE FOR SIMULATING MULTIPLE HYDRAULIC FRACTURING

Objetivo

The project aims to convert the FRIP models of CSM Associates Ltd into a 3D simulator for multiple hydraulic fracturing. The simulator is intended for simulating the initiation and propagation of 3D multiple hydraulic fractures, from a single wellbore (vertical, deviated or horizontal), in an inhomogeneous layered medium with possible in situ stress variations. The simulator will be able to simulate multiple fractures containment, merging, proppant transport and settling, complex fluid rheology and leak-off into formation etc. It will enhance and extend the capabilities of the oil/gas industry in hydraulic fracturing and drill cutting reinjection. Potential application of the simulator may help to reduce costs of hydraulic fracturing operations and enhance the associated safety and environmental aspects.
In Problem Definition, the 'hydraulic fracturing' to be modelled was defined. In previous parts of the Design Phase, the number of modelled formation layers and the number of modelled hydraulic fractures were the principle concern. Based on previously discussed considerations, the fractures are assumed to be planar and parallel to each other. The formation layers are also assumed to be parallel. These assumptions are often introduced in the simulation of hydraulic fracturing, and are accepted as a reasonable first approximation to many field cases. As a means of testing while determining suitable numerical and physical models of fracturing, the solution of the simplified two and three dimensional problem has been considered. This has allowed a graded test scheme to be followed, starting from known analytical solutions.
Also, as both pore pressure effects from leak-off and thermal effects from injection at a temperature different from the formation temperature are potentially majoreffects, particularly if drill cuttings reinjection is to be simulated, the effect of both pressure and thermal fields are to be modelled. The solution method for induced stresses at the fracture surfaces has been formulated and appropriate modules for the simulator defined and built.
A finite difference proppant transport model is being developed. Factors that are being used in the model are :
- The variation of the apparent viscosity of the slurry due to the proppant in suspension.
- The consideration of hindered settling velocity of the proppant.
- The use of time and temperature dependent fluid properties.
The simulator should prove to be a valuable tool for the oil/gas industry in hydraulic fracturing operations for the economic evaluation of options, pre-treatment analysis, treatment design, post-treatment analysis and diagnostics, and drill cutting reinjection. The simulator will be able to generate accurate predictions, subject to the availability of reliable field data, of important hydraulic fracturing parameters such as fracture shape and dimension, proppant distribution, net fracturing pressure, fluid efficiency, etc. The simulator may also be used for in situ stress measurement during drilling, post and pre-hydraulic fracturing formation evaluation, and in drill cutting reinjection. Almost all of the commercially available hydraulic fracturing simulators in the oil/gas industry are for single fractures, thus the proposed simulator will have wider applications and improved accuracy.

Convocatoria de propuestas

Data not available

Régimen de financiación

DEM - Demonstration contracts

Coordinador

CSM Associates Ltd
Aportación de la UE
Sin datos
Dirección
Rosemanowes Herniss
TR10 9DU Penryn
Reino Unido

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Coste total
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