Design of the intensification method with the help of FracCADE software

Abstract

The object of research in the work is the FracCADE software, with which it is possible to simulate the process of hydraulic fracturing and well field, on which the intensification method is designed. This hydraulic fracturing simulator was developed by Schlumberger Ltd. based on proven physical principles of hydraulic fracturing to optimize the treatment process and proven in practice. The system includes a range of hydraulic fracturing models, from 2D models to extensive 3D simulations with lateral communication. It includes a number of complementary modules for fracturing fluid and proppant optimization, injection scheduling, real-time monitoring, pressure equalization, production forecasting and economic evaluation. Some models allow simulating the geometry of the fracture, solving proppant concentration problems, and simulating possible shielding due to proppant covering the fracture or the dehydration process.

Hydraulic fracturing remains one of the main engineering tools for increasing the productivity of wells. The effect is achieved due to:

– creation of a conductive channel (fracture) through the damaged (contaminated) zone around the well, in order to penetrate beyond its boundaries;

– spreading of the channel (fracture) in the formation to a considerable depth in order to further increase the productivity of the well;

– creation of a channel (fracture), which would allow changing, influencing the fluid flow in the formation.

In the latter case, fracturing really becomes an effective tool that allows to manage the operation of the reservoir (in particular, change its filtering characteristics) and implement long-term strategic development programs. The concept of hydraulic fracturing is quite simple. In general, for relatively simple geology, the physical foundations of fracturing theory are fairly well developed and tested. For the most part, the difficulties boil down to two problems: the real geological conditions and the complex multidisciplinary nature of the fracturing process itself.

The process of designing fracturing in order to achieve a certain result is closely related to rock mechanics (which affects the geometric parameters of the fracture), fluid hydromechanics (in which the tasks of controlling the flow of the working fluid and placing the proppant in the fracture are solved) and chemistry, which determines the behavior of materials, which are used during hydraulic fracturing. Moreover, the hydraulic fracturing project must take into account the physical limitations imposed by the specifics of the real deposit and well. In addition, to achieve the desired results, the fracturing operation must be carried out in strict accordance with the calculations (that is, a complete cycle in which each operation plays its role).