Geomechanical approach in the development of design/redesign of multistage hydraulic fracturing in horizontal wells

   Currently, one of the most pressing tasks in the oil and gas industry is the efficient production of hydrocarbons (HC) in fi elds with low values of filtration and capacitance properties (PPP). The key technologies in this approach include the construction of horizontal wells (HS) and hydraulic fracturing (HF), including multi-stage fracturing. The combined use of horizontal drilling and multi-stage hydraulic fracturing technologies is a successful solution in terms of net present value in the development of both conventional reserves and carbonated reservoirs with ultra-low permeability [1].

   Aim. Main aim of this work was to develop and test an approach that makes it possible to implement a unified algorithm for modeling a hydraulic fracturing fracture, constructing a design and redesign, as well as predicting the productivity of the fracture and ensuring the eff ective implementation of multi-stage hydraulic fracturing at the planning stage.

   Materials and methods. The proposed approach is based on comprehensive (geological, hydrodynamic, geomechanical) modeling, which is carried out using all data available for wells in the field, including geophysical survey data (GIS), results of core studies, drilling information, well design data, etc. For calibration of the elastic-strength characteristics of the rock, the results of core research are used, and the stress-deformed state of the geological environment is the result of 1D geomechanical modeling with calibration for special studies (stress test, injectivity test), injection tests and mini-fracturing, as well as drilling events.

   Results. The developed geomechanical approach was tested during the extraction of hydrocarbons from the Achimov deposits of one of the fields in Western Siberia. Five- and six-stage multi-stage hydraulic fracturing on horizontal wells was successfully carried out. The high accuracy of the predicted fracture parameters ensured the effective placement of the proppant in the fracture and the successful conduct of the main injection.

   Conclusion. Models built within the framework of the geomechanical approach increase the efficiency of retrospective analysis of hydraulic fracturing and are an indispensable tool for geomechanical support of hydraulic fracturing in real time. They have predictive power and are an effective tool that, after updating, can be used both at subsequent stages during multi-stage hydraulic fracturing and at other wells in the field.

1. Budyonny S.A. Numerical modeling of multi-stage hydraulic fracturing in a horizontal well. Dissertation for the scientific degree of candidate of physical and mathematical sciences. MIPT, 2019. (In Russ.)

2. Ankushev Ya.E. The role of rock mechanics in the design of hydraulic fracturing. Science, technology and education. 2019, no. 5(58), рр. 34–36. (In Russ.)

3. Nizametdinova M., Burkov M., Smirnov N. Geomechanics: a fresh look at the design/redesign and retrospective of hydraulic fracturing. Russian Industry Energy Conference, October 3–5, 2023, Moscow, Russia. Сonference materials сollection. 2023, p. 5200. (In Russ.)