Numerical simulation study of proppant transport within fractures under the influence of interlayers and weak planes

IF 3.3 2区工程技术 Q3 ENERGY & FUELS

Geomechanics for Energy and the Environment Pub Date : 2025-01-18 DOI:10.1016/j.gete.2025.100642

Dan Zhang , Liangping Yi , Zhaozhong Yang , Jiangang He , Jingyi Zhu , Xiaogang Li , Hongqiang Zhang

{"title":"Numerical simulation study of proppant transport within fractures under the influence of interlayers and weak planes","authors":"Dan Zhang , Liangping Yi , Zhaozhong Yang , Jiangang He , Jingyi Zhu , Xiaogang Li , Hongqiang Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.gete.2025.100642","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A sophisticated three-dimensional multi-cluster fracturing model is developed using a block-based discrete element method, incorporating the spatial distribution of interlayers and weak planes. This innovative model establishes uniform metrics for evaluating the propagation of fracturing fissures in multi-cluster formations and the efficacy of proppant deployment. The model facilitates an in-depth investigation into the dynamics of proppant transport within fractures, which are influenced by the presence of interlayers and weak planes. Key findings from the analysis include a negative correlation between fracturing fluid viscosity and the extent of total fissure and proppant placement areas. Larger proppant particle sizes are associated with reduced proppant placement areas, diminished placement efficiency, and heightened settling phenomena. An approach involving stepwise proppant injection enhances structural support proximal to the wellbore, leading to expanded total fissure areas, improved proppant placement, and enhanced efficiency, thereby contributing to more effective reservoir modification. Additionally, the model identifies that the presence of interlayers and the intersections between hydraulic fractures and weak planes tend to result in narrower fracturing fissures, increasing their vulnerability to proppant blockages.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56008,"journal":{"name":"Geomechanics for Energy and the Environment","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article 100642"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3000,"publicationDate":"2025-01-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Geomechanics for Energy and the Environment","FirstCategoryId":"5","ListUrlMain":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352380825000073","RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q3","JCRName":"ENERGY & FUELS","Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Abstract

A sophisticated three-dimensional multi-cluster fracturing model is developed using a block-based discrete element method, incorporating the spatial distribution of interlayers and weak planes. This innovative model establishes uniform metrics for evaluating the propagation of fracturing fissures in multi-cluster formations and the efficacy of proppant deployment. The model facilitates an in-depth investigation into the dynamics of proppant transport within fractures, which are influenced by the presence of interlayers and weak planes. Key findings from the analysis include a negative correlation between fracturing fluid viscosity and the extent of total fissure and proppant placement areas. Larger proppant particle sizes are associated with reduced proppant placement areas, diminished placement efficiency, and heightened settling phenomena. An approach involving stepwise proppant injection enhances structural support proximal to the wellbore, leading to expanded total fissure areas, improved proppant placement, and enhanced efficiency, thereby contributing to more effective reservoir modification. Additionally, the model identifies that the presence of interlayers and the intersections between hydraulic fractures and weak planes tend to result in narrower fracturing fissures, increasing their vulnerability to proppant blockages.

查看原文本刊更多论文

求助全文

约1分钟内获得全文求助全文

来源期刊

Geomechanics for Energy and the Environment Earth and Planetary Sciences-Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology

CiteScore

5.90

自引率

11.80%

发文量

期刊介绍： The aim of the Journal is to publish research results of the highest quality and of lasting importance on the subject of geomechanics, with the focus on applications to geological energy production and storage, and the interaction of soils and rocks with the natural and engineered environment. Special attention is given to concepts and developments of new energy geotechnologies that comprise intrinsic mechanisms protecting the environment against a potential engineering induced damage, hence warranting sustainable usage of energy resources. The scope of the journal is broad, including fundamental concepts in geomechanics and mechanics of porous media, the experiments and analysis of novel phenomena and applications. Of special interest are issues resulting from coupling of particular physics, chemistry and biology of external forcings, as well as of pore fluid/gas and minerals to the solid mechanics of the medium skeleton and pore fluid mechanics. The multi-scale and inter-scale interactions between the phenomena and the behavior representations are also of particular interest. Contributions to general theoretical approach to these issues, but of potential reference to geomechanics in its context of energy and the environment are also most welcome.