Investigation of the interaction between hydraulic fractures and natural fractures from geomechanical point of view by experimental design method

By passing the time and increasing the need for more fossil fuels, exploration and development of unconventional reservoirs become more important. The most influencing parameter in production from these reservoirs is permeability, and new technology is needed to improve the production performance in low permeability formations. One of the most effective technologies for production from these formations or reservoirs is hydraulic fracturing. The correct prediction of hydraulic fracture geometry acts as an important role in the economic production. As unconventional reservoirs usually have natural fractures, the interaction between hydraulic fractures and natural fractures takes a complex root. In this paper, the interaction between hydraulic fractures and natural fractures has been investigated from geomechanical point of view for frictional interfaces and the key parameters have been investigated thoroughly by experimental design method. The results show that angle of interaction and friction coefficient have great effects on the interaction and they can affect other parameters.

Keywords:

Hydraulic fractures , Experimental design , Geomechanical interaction , Natural fractures