Generation mechanism and influencing factors of fracture networks during alternate fracturing in horizontal wells

Hydraulic fracturing is an effective means to increase natural gas production, and alternating fracturing is a special fracturing method. Compared with sequential fracturing, alternating fracturing is easier to form complex fracture networks. In order to investigate the generation mechanism of complex fracture networks during alternate fracturing, we conducted several multi-stage hydraulic fracturing experiments indoors with different fracturing sequences. Based on the cohesive element method, a numerical hydraulic fracturing model was established, from which the stress interference affected by the fracture spacing and horizontal in-situ stress were analyzed. The results show that: Alternate fracturing is more effective in controlling fracture geometry than sequential fracturing, which is also advantageous in shortening fracture spacing and avoiding the penetration of adjacent fractures. The critical factors affecting the branch fractures are the fracture spacing and the number of main fractures. Alternating fracturing is easier to produce branch fractures perpendicular to the main fracture. The stress interference among main fractures will change or reverse the stress field. The branch fractures closed due to the competition mechanism at the fracture tip are reactivated and extended perpendicular to the main fracture. Alternate fracturing is beneficial in activating microfractures near the main fractures, especially under a larger stress difference. The number of micro-fractures activated by alternating fracturing was more 14% and 21% than the sequential fracturing with the stress difference of 3 MPa and 11 MPa. The increase in stress difference and fracture spacing will decrease the fracture fractal dimension, and the fractal dimension of alternating fracturing is 0.054 more than that of sequential fracturing.

Automated summary

Alternate fracturing is a more effective method for increasing natural gas production, as it can form complex fracture networks and control fracture geometry more efficiently. The critical factors affecting the generation of branch fractures are the fracture spacing and the number of main fractures.