复杂断裂下多簇水力裂缝非均匀扩展的物理模拟实验

doi:10.3724/1000-6915.jrme.2024.0823

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Abstract

Achieving uniform propagation of multi-cluster hydraulic fractures within shale gas reservoirs containing natural fracture zones remains challenging. This study developed a physical simulation methodology to model multi-cluster fracturing in specimens containing prefabricated natural fracture zones. The experimental setup for sample preparation and pumping allows for the distribution of liquid into multiple cluster fractures according to a predetermined sequence of extension, with independent monitoring of flow rates for each cluster. Leveraging the engineering-experimental similarity in fracture propagation characteristics, in-situ stress, and geometry, analogous relationships were derived between experimental and engineering parameters. The effects of pumping rates (0.825 and 3.3 m³/min per cluster), cluster spacing (6 and 12 m), and spatial arrangement positions (middle and side clusters) of natural fracture zones on the propagation of multi-cluster hydraulic fractures in field applications were experimentally investigated. The results showed that: (1) Low pumping rates combined with large cluster spacing enhance the uniform propagation of multi-cluster hydraulic fractures in both samples with and without natural fracture zones. Fractures adjacent to natural fracture zones tend to propagate preferentially, thereby inhibiting uniform multi-fracture propagation. (2) High pumping rates and small cluster spacing facilitate the formation of single-cluster branch fractures and promote inter-cluster fracture connectivity. Conversely, low pumping rates and large cluster spacing result in simpler, non-interfering multi-cluster fracture morphologies. When the initiation cluster is adjacent to a natural fracture zone, the morphology of hydraulic fractures exhibits connectivity between hydraulic fractures and natural fracture zones. (3) During multi-fracture propagation, each cluster of fractures sequentially receives fluid inflow, indicating that multiple hydraulic fractures extend in an alternating sequence rather than simultaneously. Clusters situated within fracture zones tend to receive fluid inflow preferentially and connect with natural fracture zones. Consequently, the pump pressure curve exhibits fluctuations prior to reaching the break pressure. (4) Based on the theories of fracture instability extension and stress shadow, this study discusses the mechanisms of single-cluster fracture instability propagation and multi-fracture complexity enhancement. A high pumping rate increases the driving force for fracture propagation, while natural fracture zones decrease fracture resistance, thereby promoting single-cluster fracture instability. Namely, these factors inhibit the uniform extension of multi-cluster hydraulic fractures. Furthermore, a combination of high pumping rates and small cluster spacing intensifies interference between fractures, leading to the generation of complex fractures. Finally, optimization suggestions for the fracturing design were proposed, focusing on achieving uniform propagation of multiple hydraulic fractures near the wellbore while promoting the formation of complex hydraulic fractures in more distant regions.

Key words： rock mechanics shale gas multi-cluster fracturing complex fracturing uniform extension fracturing physical simulation

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	Articles by authors
	TAN Peng1
	2
	3
	XING Yuekun2
	HAN Taisen2
	CHEN Jinlong2
	XU Hang2
	CHEN Zhaowei1
	3

Cite this article:

TAN Peng1,2,3, et al. Physical simulation experiments on non-uniform extension of multi-cluster hydraulic fractures under complex fracturing conditions[J]. , 2025, 44(6): 1514-1526.

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https://rockmech.whrsm.ac.cn/EN/10.3724/1000-6915.jrme.2024.0823 OR https://rockmech.whrsm.ac.cn/EN/Y2025/V44/I6/1514

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[14]	张丰收. 离散元水力压裂一体化数值仿真[M]. 北京：科学出版社，2022：11-27.(ZHANG Fengshou. Numerical simulation of discrete element hydraulic fracturing integration[M]. Beijing：Science Press，2022：11-27.(in Chinese))
[27]	邢岳堃，黄炳香，陈大勇，等. 压裂裂缝非线性断裂的声发射全波形多参量监测[J]. 煤炭学报，2021，46(11)：3 470-3 487.(XING Yuekun，HUANG Bingxiang，CHEN Dayong，et al. Nonlinear fracturing characterization of hydraulic fracture：Utilizing full-waveform and multi-parameter analysis method of acoustic emission[J]. Journal of China Coal Society，2021，46(11)：3 470-3 487.(in Chinese))
[15]	LI M L，ZHANG F S，WANG S Y，et al. DEM modeling of simultaneous propagation of multiple hydraulic fractures across different regimes，from toughness-to viscosity-dominated[J]. Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering，2024，57(1)：481-503.
[28]	LABUZ J F，SHAH S P，DOWDING C H. The fracture process zone in granite：evidence and effect[J]. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences and Geomechanics Abstracts，1987，24(4)：235-246.
[16]	LIU X Q，RASOULI V，GUO T K，et al. Numerical simulation of stress shadow in multiple cluster hydraulic fracturing in horizontal wells based on lattice modelling[J]. Engineering Fracture Mechanics，2020，238：107278.
[29]	ZHUANG L，ZANG A. Laboratory hydraulic fracturing experiments on crystalline rock for geothermal purposes[J]. Earth-Science Reviews，2021，216：103580.
[17]	WANG Y L，LIU N N. Stress-dependent unstable dynamic propagation of multiple hydraulic fractures：a review of stress shadow effects and continuum-discontinuum methods[J]. Engineering Computations，2023，40(1)：149-190.
[30]	BROEK D. Elementary engineering fracture mechanics[M]. Hague：Martinus Nijhoff，1982：142-167.
[18]	WANG Y L，JU Y，ZHANG H M，et al. Adaptive finite element-discrete element analysis for the stress shadow effects and fracture interaction behaviours in three-dimensional multistage hydrofracturing considering varying perforation cluster spaces and fracturing scenarios of horizontal wells[J]. Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering，2021，54：1 815-1 839.
[31]	XING Y K，HUANG B X，NING E Q，et al. Quasi-static loading rate effects on fracture process zone development of mixed-mode(I-II) fractures in rock-like materials[J]. Engineering Fracture Mechanics，2020，240(107365)：1-17.
[19]	谭鹏，陈朝伟，赵庆，等. 页岩气多簇压裂断层活化机理与控制方法[J]. 石油钻探技术，2024，52(6)：1-10.(TAN Peng，CHEN Zhaowei，ZHAO Qing，et al. Mechanism and control method of fault activation by multi-cluster fracturing of shale gas[J]. Petroleum Drilling Techniques，2024，52(6)：1-10.(in Chinese))
[32]	ATKINSON B K. Fracture mechanics of rock[M]. London：Academic Press，1989：4-18.
[20]	周健，蒋廷学. 四川页岩压裂裂缝扩展实验及力学特性研究[J].中国科学：物理学力学天文学，2017，47(11)：114 616.(ZHOU Jian，JIANG Tingxue. Experimental study and mechanical properties analysis of fracture propagation in shale formation，Sichuan Basin[J]. Scientia Sinica Physica，Mechanica and Astronomica，2017，47(11)：114 616.(in Chinese))
[33]	ANDERSON T L. Fracture mechanics：fundamentals and applications[M]. Boca Raton：CRC Press，2017：14-15，29-32.
[21]	杨宝刚，潘仁芳，赵丹，等. 四川盆地长宁示范区龙马溪组页岩岩石力学特性及脆性评价[J]. 地质科技情报，2015，34(4)：183-188.(YANG Baogang，PAN Renfang，ZHAO Dan，et al. Mechanical properties and brittleness evaluation of Longmaxi shale rock of Changning demonstration area in Sichuan Basin[J]. Geological Science and Technology Information，2015，34(4)：183-188.(in Chinese))
[34]	XING Y K，YU Y，HUANG B X，et al. Thermoplastic fracture characteristics of granite suffering thermal shocks[J]. Theoretical and
[22]	熊健，张茜，梁利喜，等. 四川盆地龙马溪组页岩断裂韧性特征与预测方法[J]. 地下空间与工程学报，2019，15(增2)：541-547.(XIONG Jian，ZHANG Qian，LIANG Lixi，et al. Prediction method and characteristics of the fracture toughness of Longmaxi formation shale in Sichuan Basin[J]. Chinese Journal of Underground Space and Engineering，2019，15(Supp.2)：541-547.(in Chinese))
	Applied Fracture Mechanics，2023，127：104099.
[23]	郭彤楼，何希鹏，曾萍，等. 复杂构造区页岩气藏地质特征与效益开发建议——以四川盆地及其周缘五峰组—龙马溪组为例[J]. 石油学报，2020，41(12)：1 490-1 500.(GUO Tonglou，HE Xipeng，ZENG Ping，et al. Geological characteristics and beneficial development scheme of shale gas reservoirs in complex tectonic regions：a case study of Wufeng—Longmaxi formations in Sichuan Basin and its periphery[J]. Acta Petrolei Sinica，2020，41(12)：1 490-1 500.(in Chinese))
[35]	XING Y K，HUANG B X，LI B H，et al. Investigations on the directional propagation of hydraulic fracture in hard roof of mine：utilizing a set of fractures and the stress disturbance of hydraulic fracture[J]. Lithosphere，2021：4328008.
[24]	王海洋，查晓雄，徐期勇. 几种水泥基材料的渗透率及其超临界碳化的应用[J]. 土木建筑与环境工程，2015，37(2)：121-126.(WANG Haiyang，ZHA Xiaoxiong，XU Qiyong. Permeability of some cement-based materials and usein the supercritical carbonization[J]. Journal of Civil，Architectural and Environmental Engineering，2015，37(2)：121-126.(in Chinese))
[25]	DONTSOV E V. An approximate solution for a penny-shaped hydraulic fracture that accounts for fracture toughness，fluid viscosity and leak-off[J]. Royal Society Open Science，2016，3(12)：160737.
[26]	XING Y K，HUANG B X，ZHANG G Q，et al. Identifying the real fracture hidden in rock microcrack zone by acoustic emission energy[J]. International Journal of Mining Science and Technology，2024，34(6)：731-746.
[27]	邢岳堃，黄炳香，陈大勇，等. 压裂裂缝非线性断裂的声发射全波形多参量监测[J]. 煤炭学报，2021，46(11)：3 470-3 487.(XING Yuekun，HUANG Bingxiang，CHEN Dayong，et al. Nonlinear fracturing characterization of hydraulic fracture：Utilizing full-waveform and multi-parameter analysis method of acoustic emission[J]. Journal of China Coal Society，2021，46(11)：3 470-3 487.(in Chinese))
[28]	LABUZ J F，SHAH S P，DOWDING C H. The fracture process zone in granite：evidence and effect[J]. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences and Geomechanics Abstracts，1987，24(4)：235-246.
[29]	ZHUANG L，ZANG A. Laboratory hydraulic fracturing experiments on crystalline rock for geothermal purposes[J]. Earth-Science Reviews，2021，216：103580.
[30]	BROEK D. Elementary engineering fracture mechanics[M]. Hague：Martinus Nijhoff，1982：142-167.
[31]	XING Y K，HUANG B X，NING E Q，et al. Quasi-static loading rate effects on fracture process zone development of mixed-mode(I-II) fractures in rock-like materials[J]. Engineering Fracture Mechanics，2020，240(107365)：1-17.
[32]	ATKINSON B K. Fracture mechanics of rock[M]. London：Academic Press，1989：4-18.
[33]	ANDERSON T L. Fracture mechanics：fundamentals and applications[M]. Boca Raton：CRC Press，2017：14-15，29-32.
[34]	XING Y K，YU Y，HUANG B X，et al. Thermoplastic fracture characteristics of granite suffering thermal shocks[J]. Theoretical and
	Applied Fracture Mechanics，2023，127：104099.
[35]	XING Y K，HUANG B X，LI B H，et al. Investigations on the directional propagation of hydraulic fracture in hard roof of mine：utilizing a set of fractures and the stress disturbance of hydraulic fracture[J]. Lithosphere，2021：4328008.