Influence of Natural Fractures on Multi-Stage Hydraulic Fracture Propagation in Tight Middle Eastern Reservoir

Abstract

Abstract This extensive study deals with propagation behavior of induced hydraulic fractures in naturally fractured formation within heterogeneous Middle Eastern tight gas reservoirs. This can strongly support the development and design process of highly heterogeneous reservoirs in the Middle East. This comprehensive investigation based on field data demonstrates the assessment methods of hydraulic fracture propagation behavior and its correlated effects in presence of natural fractures. A sensitivity analysis showing the significance of hydraulic fracturing treatment design that are operationally controllable is also presented. Further assessment in terms of varying fracture geometry, natural fracture sets and its effect on the productivity are also presented. The introduced natural fracture sets further illustrate the significance of the natural fracture properties in this assessment. An intensive parametric study would additionally assist to understand the underlying flow behavior in the presence of complex fracture sets in tight reservoirs. Stress contrast, fracture toughness, orientation and angle of intersection are a few critical factors that can be coupled for further analysis. The results have been extended to current field applications while incorporating a case study field data of a recently operated fracturing job within the Middle East. Moreover, a parametric workflow that suggests optimum design parameters including number of transverse hydraulic fractures/clusters, their orientation and spacing, and parameters of fracturing materials, are also proposed. A comprehensive investigation was conducted to create a representative model for a Middle Eastern tight gas formation with provided field data. This study is unique as it is based on a Middle Eastern candidate field and offers an insights to challenges and assist future fracturing designs for the region.