An analysis of the influence of fracturing technological parameters on fracture propagation using numerical modeling

Abstract

Nowadays, hydraulic fracturing is one of the most common treatments for both conventional and unconventional fields, a stimulation technique designed to increase well production through the reduction of flow resistance caused by the drilling process or genuine reservoir properties. In this article the planar, three-dimensional numerical model of hydraulic fracturing treatment is presented. Based on the given model, the influence analysis of the basic technological parameters of the fracturing in a directional well on fracture propagation was conducted. The presented analysis shows the crucial role of numerical modeling in the process of hydraulic fracturing treatment design. The outcomes allowed us to identify the sensitivity of the obtained fracturing effects on the change of the treatment of technical parameters.