Abstract
The mechanism of fracture initiation is the basic issue for hydraulic fracture technology. Because of the huge differences in fracture initiation mechanisms for different reservoirs, some successful fracturing techniques applied to porosity reservoirs are ineffectual for fractured reservoirs. Laboratory tests using a process simulation device were performed to confirm the characteristics of fracture initiation and propagation in different reservoirs. The influences of crustal stress field, confining pressure, and natural fractures on the fracture initiation and propagation are discussed. Experimental results demonstrate that stress concentration around the hole would significantly increase the fracture pressure of the rock. At the same time, natural fractures in the borehole wall would eliminate the stress concentration, which leads to a decrease in the fracture initiation pressure.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References
Beugelsdijk L J L, de Pater C J and Sato K. Experimental hydraulic fracture propagation in a multi-fractured medium. Paper SPE 59419 presented at the SPE Asia Pacific Conference On Integrated Modeling for Asset Management, 25–26 April 2000, Yokohama, Japan
Blanton T L. Propagation of hydraulically and dynamically induced fractures in naturally fractured reservoirs. Paper SPE 15261 presented at the Unconventional Gas Technology Symposium, 18–21 May 1986, Louisville Kentucky
Chen M, Chen Z X and Huang R Z. Hydraulic fracturing of highly deviated wells. Journal of University of Petroleum, China. 1995. 19(2): 30–35 (in Chinese)
Chen M, Pang F and Jin Y. Experiments and analysis on hydraulic fracturing by a large-size triaxial simulator. Chinese Journal of Rock Mechanics and Engineering. 2000. 19(Supp.): 868–872 (in Chinese)
Daneshy A A. Hydraulic fracture propagation in the presence of planes of weakness. Paper SPE 4852 presented at the SPE European Spring Meeting, 29–30 May 1974, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Hubbert M K and Willis D G. Mechanics of hydraulic fracturing. Journal of American Association of Petroleum Geologists. 1957. 12(18): 239–257.
Jin Y, Zhang X D and Chen M. Initiation pressure models for hydraulic fracturing of vertical wells in naturally fractured formations. Acta Petrolei Sinica. 2005. 26(6): 113–118 (in Chinese)
Mahrer K D, Aud W W and Hansen J T. Far-field hydraulic fracture geometry: A changing paradigm. Paper SPE 36441 presented at the SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, 6–9 Oct. 1996, Denver, Colorado, U.S.A.
Thiercelin M, Naceur K B and Lemanczyk Z R. Simulation of threedimensional propagation of a vertical hydraulic fracture. Paper SPE 13861 presented at the SPE/DOE Low Permeability Gas Reservoirs, 19–22 May 1985, Denver, Colorado
Warpinski N R and Teufel L W. Influence of geologic discontinuities on hydraulic fracturing propagation. JPT. 1987, 28(3): 209–220
Yew C H and Li Y. Fracturing of a deviated wells. Paper SPE 16930 presented at SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, 27–30 Sept 1987, Dallas
Yew C H. Pore fluid and wellbore stabilities. Paper SPE 23881 presented at SPE International Meeting on Petroleum Engineering, 24–27 March 1992, Beijing, China
Yu X Y, Xing J G and Wang X Y. Research on fracturing pressure and azimuth of a deviated well. Journal of Jianghan Petroleum Institute. 1994. 16(3): 57–60 (in Chinese)
Zhang G Q and Chen M. Non-planar propagation of hydraulic fracture near horizontal wellbore. Acta Petrolei Sinica. 2005. 26(3): 95–97 (in Chinese)
Zhou J, Chen M, Jin Y, et al. Experimental study of propagation mechanism of hydraulic fracture in naturally fractured reservoir. Acta Petrolei Sinica. 2007. 28(5): 109–113 (in Chinese)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Yan, T., Li, W. & Bi, X. An experimental study of fracture initiation mechanisms during hydraulic fracturing. Pet. Sci. 8, 87–92 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12182-011-0119-z
Received:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12182-011-0119-z