Fracture propagation modeling

Abstract

In oil and gas production, hydraulic fracturing is often performed to increase the productivity of hydrocarbon reservoirs. During drilling operation, when the differential well pressure exceeds the strength of the formation, it causes undesired well fracturing. As a result, this cause loss of circulation and other associated problems. This thesis seeks to understand the fracture propagation process through a review of previous works, and deriving new fracture models. A review of the basic concepts of rock mechanics required to understand this work is presented. Based on various fracture geometry scenarios, new fracture propagation models are derived. These derived models are then compared with experimental data. A diffusivity equation for fluid flow in fractures is presented. A qualitative comparison analysis of fracture propagation velocity is also presented. Experiments are conducted to understand the fracture propagation process and results are presented. Finally, recommendations are made and the appropriate conclusions are presented.