Application of Fiber Optic Sensing Monitoring in Optimizing Fracturing

Summary In the shale oil area of the Qaidam Basin, horizontal well volumetric fracturing represents a critical technology for efficient unconventional resource development. To accurately evaluate cluster initiation efficiency, bridge plug sealing performance, and post-fracturing productivity during horizontal well stimulation operations, external casing distributed fiber optic monitoring technology was deployed at Platform A. Through real-time fracturing monitoring and post-fracture comprehensive analysis, this study revealed that inclined perforation technology significantly enhanced cluster initiation efficiency by 41.9% (from 62% to 88%) and improved post-fracturing productivity by 140.4% (from 0.94 m3/stage to 2.26 m3/stage) compared to conventional uniform perforation. Additionally, metal-soluble bridge plugs demonstrated exponential sealing performance decay over time, maintaining optimal integrity (failure probability <5%) when fractured within 8 hours of placement. The fiber optic monitoring-derived insights provided data-driven guidance for optimizing perforation strategies and determining optimal bridge plug operation timing, thereby facilitating continuous improvement of horizontal well fracturing designs. These technological advancements established a systematic framework for enhancing shale oil development efficiency through real-time, multi-parameter monitoring of fracturing operations.