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Simulation of tectonic stress field and prediction of fracture distribution in shale reservoir

https://doi.org/10.21285/2686-9993-2021-44-4-397-407

Abstract

In this paper, a finite element-based fracture prediction method for shale reservoirs was proposed using geostress field simulations, uniaxial and triaxial compression deformation tests, and acoustic emission geostress tests. Given the characteristics of tensile and shear fractures mainly developed in organic-rich shales, Griffith and Coulomb – Mohr criteria were used to calculate shale reservoirs' tensile and shear fracture rates. Furthermore, the total fracture rate of shale reservoirs was calculated based on the ratio of tension and shear fractures to the total number of fractures. This method has been effectively applied in predicting fracture distribution in the Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation shale reservoir in southeastern Chongqing, China. This method provides a new way for shale gas sweet spot optimization. The simulation results have a significant reference value for the design of shale gas horizontal wells and fracturing reconstruction programs.

About the Authors

Wenlong Ding
China University of Geosciences
China

Wenlong Ding, Dr. Sci. (Geol. & Mineral.), Professor, School of Energy Resources, Key Laboratory for Marine Reservoir Evolution and Hydrocarbon Abundance Mechanism, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Shale Gas Exploration and Assessment, Ministry of Land and Resources

Beijing


Competing Interests:

The authors declare no conflicts of interests.



Weite Zeng
Hainan Geological Survey
China

Weite Zeng

Haikou


Competing Interests:

The authors declare no conflicts of interests.



Ruyue Wang
China University of Geosciences
China

Ruyue Wang, School of Energy Resources, Key Laboratory for Marine Reservoir Evolution and Hydrocarbon Abundance Mechanism, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Shale Gas Exploration and Assessment, Ministry of Land and Resources

Beijing


Competing Interests:

The authors declare no conflicts of interests.



Kai Jiu
Beijing Jingneng Petroleum Corporation Limited
China

Kai Jiu

Beijing


Competing Interests:

The authors declare no conflicts of interests.



Zhe Wang
Shandong Kerui Group Holding Corporation Limited
China

Zhe Wang

Dongying


Competing Interests:

The authors declare no conflicts of interests.



Yaxiong Sun
China University of Geosciences
China

Yaxiong Sun, School of Energy Resources, Key Laboratory for Marine Reservoir Evolution and Hydrocarbon Abundance Mechanism, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Shale Gas Exploration and Assessment, Ministry of Land and Resources

Beijing


Competing Interests:

The authors declare no conflicts of interests.



Xinghua Wang
China University of Geosciences
China

Xinghua Wang, School of Energy Resources, Key Laboratory for Marine Reservoir Evolution and Hydrocarbon Abundance Mechanism, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Shale Gas Exploration and Assessment, Ministry of Land and Resources

Beijing


Competing Interests:

The authors declare no conflicts of interests.



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Review

For citations:


Ding W., Zeng W., Wang R., Jiu K., Wang Zh., Sun Ya., Wang X. Simulation of tectonic stress field and prediction of fracture distribution in shale reservoir. Earth sciences and subsoil use. 2021;44(4):397-407. https://doi.org/10.21285/2686-9993-2021-44-4-397-407

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ISSN 2686-9993 (Print)
ISSN 2686-7931 (Online)