Comprehensive characterization of hydraulic fracture propagations and prevention of pre-existing fault failure in Duvernay shale reservoirs

IF 4.4 2区工程技术 Q1 ENGINEERING, MECHANICAL

Engineering Failure Analysis Pub Date : 2025-02-25 DOI:10.1016/j.engfailanal.2025.109461

Penghu Bao , Gang Hui , Yafei Hu , Rui Song , Zhangxin Chen , Ke Zhang , Zhiyang Pi , Ye Li , Chenqi Ge , Fuyu Yao , Yujie Zhang , Fei Gu

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Because of the inherent complexity of shale reservoirs and pre-existing natural fractures (NF) and faults, an accurate characterization of hydraulic fracture propagations has not been well investigated. This paper proposed an integrated geoengineering method to comprehensively characterize the non-uniform fracture propagations in shale reservoirs, integrating high-quality three-dimensional (3D) seismic, well-logging, experiments, and microseismicity. The results show that the Duvernay shale is strongly heterogeneous in petrophysics and geomechanics. The Duvernay shale reservoir is controlled by two phases of tectonics, resulting in the development of high-angle natural faults/fractures with average azimuths of NE18° and SE115°. Considering the coupling between NF as well as stress shadowing effects, a full hydro-mechanical coupling model for hydraulic fractures (HF) was developed and restrained by up to 25,000 microseismicity events. Simulated post-frac productivity conforms to the actual productivity by up to 87%, showing the robustness of the unconventional fracture model. The pre-existing faults should be recognized beforehand, and some mitigation strategies can be made to avoid hydraulic communications between hydraulic fractures and pre-existing faults, effectively developing unconventional shale resources.

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来源期刊

Engineering Failure Analysis 工程技术-材料科学：表征与测试

CiteScore

7.70

自引率

20.00%

发文量

956

审稿时长

47 days

期刊介绍： Engineering Failure Analysis publishes research papers describing the analysis of engineering failures and related studies. Papers relating to the structure, properties and behaviour of engineering materials are encouraged, particularly those which also involve the detailed application of materials parameters to problems in engineering structures, components and design. In addition to the area of materials engineering, the interacting fields of mechanical, manufacturing, aeronautical, civil, chemical, corrosion and design engineering are considered relevant. Activity should be directed at analysing engineering failures and carrying out research to help reduce the incidences of failures and to extend the operating horizons of engineering materials. Emphasis is placed on the mechanical properties of materials and their behaviour when influenced by structure, process and environment. Metallic, polymeric, ceramic and natural materials are all included and the application of these materials to real engineering situations should be emphasised. The use of a case-study based approach is also encouraged. Engineering Failure Analysis provides essential reference material and critical feedback into the design process thereby contributing to the prevention of engineering failures in the future. All submissions will be subject to peer review from leading experts in the field.