Mechanistic Analysis and Multi-Factor Coupling Optimization of Temporary Plugging Fracturing in Shale Oil Horizontal Wells: A Case Study from the Sichuan Basin, China

Horizontal well fracturing is a pivotal technology for enhancing the efficiency of shale oil and gas development. Shale reservoirs exhibit significant heterogeneity and intricate fracture propagation patterns, often resulting in uneven multiple fractures caused by horizontal well fracturing. Temporary plugging technology plays a critical role in optimizing fracture propagation patterns; however, there is currently limited research on its optimization. Based on a hydraulic fracturing fracture propagation simulation, an optimization study was conducted on temporary plugging technology for horizontal well fracturing in shale oil reservoirs. Numerical simulation results demonstrate that the uniformity of hydraulic fracture propagation during horizontal well fracturing in shale oil reservoirs is maximized when 30 perforations are plugged. The most uniform fracture propagation pattern is achieved by adding temporary plugging agents after pumping a total volume of 30% fracturing fluid. Furthermore, a comparison between one-time plugging with temporary plugging balls and multiple plugging was made to evaluate differences in fracture propagation. It was observed that performing temporary plugging once significantly improves the uniformity of fracture propagation compared to multiple temporary plugging. These research findings have been successfully validated through the practical application of hydraulic fracturing techniques, as indicated by substantial improvements in both the mode and uniformity of fracture propagation following temporary plugging.