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Numerical Investigation on Mesoscale Evolution of Hydraulic Fractures in Hydrate-Bearing Sediments

Author

Listed:
  • Xiaowei Liang

    (Shale Oil Development Branch, PetroChina Changqing Oilfield Company, Qingyang 745000, China)

  • Hui Zhao

    (Shale Oil Development Branch, PetroChina Changqing Oilfield Company, Qingyang 745000, China)

  • Yongchao Dang

    (Shale Oil Development Branch, PetroChina Changqing Oilfield Company, Qingyang 745000, China)

  • Qihong Lei

    (Exploration and Development Research Institute, PetroChina Changqing Oilfield Company, Xi’an 710016, China)

  • Shaoping Wang

    (Digital and Intelligentization Division, PetroChina Changqing Oilfield Company, Xi’an 710016, China)

  • Xiaorui Wang

    (Shale Oil Development Branch, PetroChina Changqing Oilfield Company, Qingyang 745000, China)

  • Huiqiang Chai

    (Shale Oil Development Branch, PetroChina Changqing Oilfield Company, Qingyang 745000, China)

  • Jianbo Jia

    (Shale Oil Development Branch, PetroChina Changqing Oilfield Company, Qingyang 745000, China)

  • Yafei Wang

    (College of Construction Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130026, China)

Abstract

Hydraulic fracturing is widely recognized as a potential stimulation technology for the development of challenging natural gas hydrate. However, the fracturing behavior of non-diagenetic hydrate reservoirs has peculiar characteristics that are different from those of conventional oil and gas reservoirs. Herein, a fully coupled fluid-mechanical model for simulating hydraulic fracturing in hydrate-bearing sediments (HBS) was established based on the discrete element method, and the influence of hydrate saturation, in situ stress, and injection rate on the meso-fracture evolution was investigated. The results indicate that with the increase in hydrate saturation, the fracture morphology transitions from bi-wing to multi-branch, thereby enhancing fracture complexity. Both tensile and shear failure modes exist, and the tensile failure between the weakly cemented sediment particles is dominant. The tensile strength of HBS is an exponential function of hydrate saturation, with the breakdown pressure being governed by hydrate saturation and in situ stress, with the form being consistent with the classical Kirsch equation. Additionally, lower in situ stress and higher injection rates are conducive to the generation of microcracks, whereas an excessive injection rate reduces the fracture length. These findings contribute to understanding the meso-evolution mechanism of hydraulic fractures and guide the design of on-site hydraulic fracturing plans of natural gas hydrate reservoirs.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiaowei Liang & Hui Zhao & Yongchao Dang & Qihong Lei & Shaoping Wang & Xiaorui Wang & Huiqiang Chai & Jianbo Jia & Yafei Wang, 2023. "Numerical Investigation on Mesoscale Evolution of Hydraulic Fractures in Hydrate-Bearing Sediments," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-19, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:22:p:7502-:d:1276923
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Wang, Bin & Fan, Zhen & Zhao, Jiafei & Lv, Xin & Pang, Weixin & Li, Qingping, 2018. "Influence of intrinsic permeability of reservoir rocks on gas recovery from hydrate deposits via a combined depressurization and thermal stimulation approach," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 229(C), pages 858-871.
    2. Jian Zhou & Luqing Zhang & Anika Braun & Zhenhua Han, 2017. "Investigation of Processes of Interaction between Hydraulic and Natural Fractures by PFC Modeling Comparing against Laboratory Experiments and Analytical Models," Energies, MDPI, vol. 10(7), pages 1-18, July.
    3. Chong, Zheng Rong & Yang, She Hern Bryan & Babu, Ponnivalavan & Linga, Praveen & Li, Xiao-Sen, 2016. "Review of natural gas hydrates as an energy resource: Prospects and challenges," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 162(C), pages 1633-1652.
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