Multi-cluster hydraulic fracturing in highly deviated wells is a key stimulation technique for enhancing the development efficiency of low-permeability oil and gas reservoirs. To address engineering challenges such as cross-layer fracture propagation difficulties and uneven multi-cluster fracture growth during stimulation across multi-layered reservoirs, a numerical model for simulating multi-cluster fracture propagation in highly deviated wells was developed by combining the finite element method with the cohesive zone method, and its accuracy was verified against KGD (Khristianovic-Geertsma-de Klerk) analytical solution. On this basis, a “stimulation efficiency index” was proposed as a quantitative indicator to evaluate fracturing performance, taking into account both fracture growth uniformity and cross-layer propagation. The evolution characteristics and controlling factors of multi-cluster fractures in highly deviated wells were systematically investigated. The results show that increasing the well deviation angle appropriately, reducing the number of perforations, increasing the pumping rate, and lowering the number of clusters are beneficial to improving fracturing performance. Under low-viscosity slickwater conditions, the effect of fluid viscosity on fracture propagation is negligible. The relative importance of the parameters affecting stimulation performance is ranked as follows: number of clusters > pumping rate > number of perforations > deviation angle > fluid viscosity. Considering the geological and engineering characteristics of the target block, a stimulation efficiency index ≥0.8 is recommended as a criterion for optimal fracturing. The optimal design parameters are a pumping rate of ≥12 m3/min for four-cluster fracturing and ≥18 m3/min for six-cluster fracturing. Field microseismic monitoring confirmed the rationality and applicability of the proposed parameters.
XU Wen-jun, JIA Zheng-zhe, ZHAO Yan-xin, WANG Qing-lin, DAI Yi-ran, CHEN Yu, KANG Si-yuan, LIU Chun-ting.
Fracture Propagation Law of Multi-cluster Fracturing in Highly Deviated Wells[J].
Science Technology and Engineering, 2026, 26(30): 13020-13032 DOI:10.12404/j.issn.1671-1815.2508151
如图4所示,当采用0.5 m × 0.5 m 网格(即模型尺寸的1/80划分标准)时,模拟结果与解析解高度一致,能够满足工程精度要求。同时,与更细的0.25 m × 0.25 m网格相比,该方案显著降低了计算耗时,具备更高的计算效率。因此,在后续实际工况模拟中统一采用1/80的网格划分标准,并根据模型尺寸进行等比缩放,以在确保计算精度的基础上有效提升计算效率。
3 裂缝穿层扩展影响因素分析
3.1 模型建立与模拟方案
为了真实反映储层非均质性对裂缝纵向扩展的制约作用,基于项目组前期实测资料,并结合环江油田巴19区长7段公开储层地质特征[25]作为佐证,构建了一个尺寸为 59 m × 40 m 的大斜度井单段四簇水力裂缝扩展流固耦合数值模型。模型采用 0.5 m × 0.5 m 的精细网格划分,以确保模拟精度。如图5所示,模型垂向划分为7个层位,其中第①、③、⑤、⑦小层为隔层,第②、④、⑥小层为储层,各层厚度分别为6.5、10、1、7、1、8、6.5 m。随着深度增加,储层的地应力和岩石强度逐渐增大,水力裂缝的起裂与延伸难度也相应增强。压裂段内设置4个射孔簇,簇间距分别为10、14、13 m。在压裂段内布置4个射孔簇,簇间距依次为 10、14、13 m。为研究不同单一因素对裂缝扩展行为的影响,在保持其他参数不变的前提下,分别对特定参数进行调控开展对比分析。模型的主要输入参数如表2所示。
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