Propagation of interfered hydraulic fractures by alternated radial-circumferential extensions and its impact on proppant distribution

The fracture extension mechanisms and proppant transport characteristics play key roles for optimizing hydraulic fracturing in unconventional reservoirs. In this work, the visual physical simulation method was used to analyze the 3D dynamic extension processes of multi-stage hydraulic fractures and the subsequent impact on proppant distribution. The interfered fracture in multi-stage hydraulic fracturing exhibit alternated radial-circumferential extension behavior. More specifically, these behavior changes from unilaterally radial initiation, circumferential extension to radial extension. Unilaterally radial initiation results in the formation of both mirror and conchoidal features, while circumferential extension leads to stepped feature, and radial extension gives rise to feather feature. The four features of hydraulic fractures result in four types of non-uniform proppant distribution: uniform, scattered, cluster, and regional distribution. The proppant transport shifted from linear to radial mode, promoting further fracture extension. The effects of segment spacing and proppant injection sequence were studied. The results showed that the influence on the interfered fracture decreases as the segment spacing increases. In addition, the propped fracture area is larger when the small-size proppant is injected first, followed by large-size one. The research can improve understanding and optimization of multi-stage hydraulic fracturing in unconventional oil and gas reservoirs.