Multi-Fracture Propagation Law and Numerical Simulation of Hydraulic Fracturing in Carbonate Rock with Natural Fractures

Carbonate reservoirs constitute a significant research focus within the realm of unconventional gas reservoirs globally, with hydraulic fracturing standing as a pivotal technology for enhancing production efficiency.Understanding the behavior of multiple hydraulic fractures coursing through natural fractures during fracturing processes holds immense value.According to this paper, a 2D model established by finite element is constructed to examine multiple cluster hydraulic fracture extension in heterogeneous carbonate formations featuring natural fractures, leveraging cohesive elements.This model's validity is ascertained through alignment with Blanton's experimental outcomes.Subsequently, the model is utilized to explore the impact of operational displacements, the complexity of natural fractures and in-situ stress difference, and of fracture extension.This investigation aids in enhancing comprehension regarding the behavior of multi-cluster hydraulic fracturing in carbonate strata characterized by complex natural fractures, offering insights to promote the development of the hydraulic fracturing procedures and the complexity fracture networks design.