Numerical simulation of single-cluster and multi-cluster fracturing of hydrate reservoir based on cohesive element

Horizontal well multistage fracturing technology has potential as a technical method to improve the permeability of clayey silt natural gas hydrate (NGH) reservoirs as it can increase the contact area between a horizontal well and an NGH reservoir. Although this technology has been successfully applied to the exploitation of shale gas and coalbed methane, the relevant technical experience cannot be directly applied to clayey silt NGH reservoirs. Based on the properties of the clayey silt NGH reservoir at the SH2 site in the Shenhu area of the South China Sea, herein, we established a three-dimensional hydraulic fracturing model based on cohesive elements to analyze the influence of the fracturing fluid injection rate on the initiation and propagation of single-cluster fractures and the influence of fracture spacing on simultaneous fracturing and sequential fracturing of multi-cluster fractures. We comprehensively analyzed the distribution characteristics of fracture morphology and the phenomenon of stress interference between fractures under different conditions. The results showed that without fracture interference, fractures tended to propagate to the middle and upper parts of the reservoir owing to the low fracture propagation resistance. Simultaneous fracturing and sequential fracturing produced different staggered fracture distribution patterns, which were caused by the geostress field changing owing to the generation of fractures. Our findings broaden the understanding of hydraulic fracturing in clayey silt NGH reservoirs.

Automated summary

This study established a three-dimensional hydraulic fracturing model to analyze the influence of fracturing fluid injection rate and fracture spacing on the formation and distribution of fractures in clayey silt natural gas hydrate reservoirs. The results showed that the injection rate and fracture spacing play a significant role in the formation and propagation of fractures.