Modelling of Hydraulic Fracturing Risk on Cement Sheath Integrity

Abstract

Abstract Finite element simulations investigate the effect of cement sheath length and proximity to perforations, varying the spacing of these and their length. The motivation is to assess the well integrity risk in fracturing operations, typical in shale gas or tight sandstone stimulation operations. Other applications are de-risking of injection operations in CO2 or H2 storage. Simplified simulations highlight unwanted associated fracturing in hydraulic fracturing operations, or as additional consequences of unplanned fracturing occurring due to injectivity impairment. Several cases are simulated: 1. Cased, cemented and perforated horizontal well interval; 2. Open hole perforated horizontal well interval; 3. Vertical cased and cemented interval. Results show that under some circumstances, fracturing may be expected in the well's cement sheath. These are locations where simulations show a possible fracturing scenario which could lead to unwanted pressure communication. However, the simulations all agree that there is no induced fracturing at more distant cement sheath sections. The major risk shown here is fracture initiation close to the perforated interval, suggesting that propagation along the cement sheath, although possible, is less likely.