Concept and key technology of “multi-scale high-density” fracturing technology: A case study of tight sandstone gas reservoirs in the western Sichuan Basin

There are abundant tight sandstone gas resources in the Sichuan Basin, which are the important objects of reserve and production increase and large-scale development. Due to their discontinuous sandbody distribution, narrow channels, and strong horizontal and vertical heterogeneity, however, conventional fracturing technologies cannot achieve the ideal stimulation effect here. In order to address this difficulty, this paper dissects the geology engineering characteristics of tight sandstone gas reservoirs in the western Sichuan Basin. Starting from the seepage mechanics theory, the concept of “multi-scale high-density” tight gas fracturing technology is put forward by fully referring to the experience of previous multi-round reservoir stimulation in the western Sichuan Basin and the idea of unconventional volume fracturing technology. In addition, its conceptual connotation, key technologies and implementation effects are illustrated. The following research results are obtained. First, the seepage characteristics make it necessary for the efficient production of tight gas reserves to increase fracture density and stimulated reservoir volume (SRV). Second, the “multi-scale high-density” fracturing technology emphasizes the rationality of high-density hydraulic fracture creation and the matching of multi-scale fracture flow capacity, and aims at establishing a multi-level fracture system with effective and steady gas flow in tight reservoirs through fracturing. Third, the “wide, dense, support, stable, and precise” fracturing technology is applied to improve single well production and estimated ultimate recovery (EUR). Fourth, the engineering practice of “multi-scale high-density” fracturing technology in the tight reservoirs of Jurassic Shaximiao Formation and Triassic Xujiahe Formation in the ZJ Gas Field realizes the average single well production rate of 15.6 × 10⁴ m³/d, which is 1.96 times higher than that before the stimulation. Obviously, it provides powerful support for the operation of the ZJ Gas Field into a giant gas field with the reserves of 100 billion cubic meters. In conclusion, the formation of the concept and key technologies of “multi-scale high-density” fracturing technology effectively supports the efficient development of tight gas in the western Sichuan Basin and points out the following research direction of tight gas reservoir stimulation. The research results provide reference and guidance for the large-scale benefit development of tight gas in China.