Experimental and numerical study of hydraulic fracture geometry in shale formations with complex geologic conditions

Strike-slip fault geostress and dipping laminated structures in Lujiaping shale formation typically result in difficultly predicting hydraulic fracture (HF) geometries. In this study, a novel 3D fracture propagation model based on discrete element method (DEM) is established. A series of simulations is performed to illustrate the influence of vertical stress difference (Delta sigma(v) = sigma(v)-sigma(h)), fluid viscosity, and injection rate, on HF growth geometry in the dipping layered formation. Results reveal that the fracturing fluid can easily infiltrate the dipping bedding plane (BP) interfaces with low net pressure for Delta sigma(v) = 1 MPa. HF height growth is also restricted. With increased Delta sigma(v), fracture propagation in the vertical direction is enhanced, and a fracture network is formed by VF and partially opened dipping BPs. However, it is likely to create simple VF for Delta sigma(v) = 20 MPa. Appropriately increasing fracturing fluid viscosity and injection rate is conductive to weakening the containment effect of BPs on HF growth by increasing the fluid net pressure. However, no indication is found on whether a higher fracturing fluid viscosity is better. Higher viscosity can reduce the activation of BPs, so a stimulated reservoir volume is not necessarily increased. All these results can serve as theoretical guidance for the optimization of fracturing treatments in Lujiaping shale formation. (C) 2017 Published by Elsevier Ltd.