Coupled Stress-fluid Pressure Modelling of Stimulated Rock Volume in Shale: Impact of Natural Fractures and Beef

Kevin Bisdom, E. Baud, S Estrada, Y. Sanz-Perl, Bertrand Gauthier, Giovanni Bertotti

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedings/Edited volumeConference contributionScientificpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Unconventional shale reservoirs have practically no in-situ permeability, but they may be rich in natural fractures, which can positively or negatively impact hydraulic fracturing. We study a naturally fractured shale formation, with bed-perpendicular fractures, which are mostly cemented, fracture corridors and bedding-parallel calcite veins (beef). Microseismic indicates that the Stimulated Rock Volume (SRV) is heterogeneous and anisotropic, which is likely related to reactivation of the natural structural heterogeneities. At in-situ conditions, the shale is overpressured, but the pore pressure is below the required threshold to reactivate natural fractures. During hydraulic fracturing, fractures may be locally reactivated. The local reactivation is quantified using a coupled stress-fluid pressure Finite Element model, based on a discrete fracture network constructed around a pilot area with several horizontal and vertical wells. The models show that only a small part of the fracture network close to induced fractures is reactivated, creating an anisotropic SRV. Vertically, beef limits growth of induced fractures, while increasing the aperture and length. Furthermore, beef can generate horizontal high-permeability zones, increasing the SRV. These models, when accurately calibrated using pressure interference data, are useful to optimize well placement and completion strategies.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication78th EAGE Conference and Exhibition 2016, Vienna, Austria
PublisherEAGE
Pages1-5
Number of pages5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2016
Event78th EAGE Conference and Exhibition 2016 - Messe Wien, Exhibition and Congress Center, Vienna, Austria
Duration: 30 May 20162 Jun 2016
Conference number: 78
http://www.eage.org/sitecore/content/events/home/2016/78th-eage-conference-and-exhibition-vienna-2016?sc_lang=en

Conference

Conference78th EAGE Conference and Exhibition 2016
Abbreviated titleEAGE 2016
Country/TerritoryAustria
CityVienna
Period30/05/162/06/16
Internet address

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