The Propagation Patterns of Hydraulic Fractures during Well Group Energy Storage Fracturing

ABSTRACT: A geomechanical model that comprehensively considers well placement schemes and operational parameters was established in response to poor reservoir fracturing results and low efficiency in oil and gas development due to depleted formation energy in mature light oil fields. Simulation studies were conducted to elucidate the initiation and propagation characteristics of fractures in well group energy storage fracturing (WGESF), and a method for optimizing the well group energy storage fracturing process was developed. The research results indicate that: (1) When the stress difference is equal to 3~4 MPa, the fracture propagation consistently develops into symmetric dual-wing configurations; (2) Under high Young's modulus conditions, hydraulic fractures predominantly manifest as asymmetric dual-wing fractures or single-wing branch fractures.; (3) Under high tensile strength conditions, the formation of symmetric dual-wing fractures in injection wells is facilitated; (4) With the increase of stress difference, Young's modulus, and tensile strength, re-fracturing fractures tend to propagate along the maximum horizontal principal stress direction.