Numerical simulation of hydraulic fracture geometry with dense perforations on the horizontal well for the tight oil reservoir

ABSTRACT: This study investigates key perforation parameters for optimizing multi-stage hydraulic fracturing in horizontal wells within China's thinly interbedded sandstone-mudstone formations. Through integrated geo-engineering modeling, this study analyzed the impacts of cluster spacing, perforation density, and diameter on fracture geometry and production performance. Numerical simulations demonstrate that reducing cluster spacing to 6 clusters/stage enhances stress interference, promoting complex fracture networks and vertical interlayer penetration. Perforation friction pressure significantly influences fluid distribution, and optimized perforation density improves uniform fracture propagation while preserving conductivity. Specifically, under moderate-to-high horizontal stress differences, increased perforation density enhances fracture extension by overcoming lithological constraints. Field validation shows that dense-cluster designs increase stimulated reservoir volume (SRV) by 15-20% compared to conventional cluster spacing. These results provide a technical framework for balancing fracture complexity and conductivity through perforation parameter optimization, which is particularly critical for reservoirs with 5-8 MPa horizontal stress differences. This methodology enhances commercial production in tight formations by designing fracture networks that overcome interbedded lithological barriers while maintaining economic production rates.