Analysis of the Influence of Hydraulic Fracturing Fluid Velocity on Fracture Propagation

Abstract

To reveal the influence of fracturing fluid velocity on hydraulic fracturing fracture propagation, a hydraulic fracturing numerical model was established based on a coalbed methane (CBM) field in the northeast of China. The influence of fracturing fluid velocity on hydraulic fracturing fracture propagation is mainly investigated, and the relationship between fracturing fluid velocity and fracture tip displacement is obtained. The results show that the fracture front presents different morphological characteristics at different times of fracturing. The larger the fracturing fluid velocity, the larger the fracture length and width after the same time of hydraulic fracturing. However, the fracture length will not increase indefinitely; the fracture will stop spreading when the injected fluid reaches a balance with the fluid that is permeated or filtered from the fracture surface. With the increase in fracturing fluid velocity, the fracture length increases logarithmically and gradually flattens out. The research conclusion provides a certain reference for improving the fracture propagation effect of hydraulic fracturing.