Numerical simulation of directional propagation of hydraulic fracture guided by vertical multi-radial boreholes

The conventional hydraulic fracturing is not effective in the target oil development zone (remaining oil or gas, trap reservoir, etc.) with available wellbores located in the azimuth of non-maximum horizontal in-situ stress. The technology of directional propagation of hydraulic fracture guided by vertical multi-radial boreholes was innovatively developed. In order to verify the technology, a 3D extended finite element numerical model of hydraulic fracturing promoted by vertical multi-radial boreholes was established using Abaqus Software, and the influence of horizontal in-situ stress differences, azimuth, diameters, spacing, and lengths of radial boreholes, rates and viscosities of fracturing fluids, Young modulus and Poisson's ratio of rock, and reservoir permeability on propagation of hydraulic fracture guided by radial borehole row were comprehensively analyzed. Moreover, the term 'Guidance factor (G)' was introduced for the first time to effectively quantify guidance of radial borehole row. Finally, the guidance of the above ten factors is comprehensively evaluated through gray correlation analysis. The results showed that the directional propagation of hydraulic fracture is realized through scientifically arranged vertical radial borehole row, and 'G' reflects the real guidance strength of radial borehole row to hydraulic fracture. The azimuth of radial borehole row increases by 75°, G increases by 18 times. Horizontal in-situ stress difference increases by 9 MPa, G increases by 95%. The borehole diameter increases by 4 cm, G decreases by 54%. The borehole spacing increases by 0.5 m, G increases by 18%. The borehole length increases by 10 m, G decreases by 40%. Young's modulus of reservoir rock increases by 20 GPa, G decreases by 23%. Poisson's ratio increases by 0.1, G increases by 57%. Permeability of reservoir increases by 100 times, G increases by 3.3 times. Injection rate increases by 9 m3/min, G decreases by 63%. Both excessively high and low viscosities are adverse to guidance of radial borehole to hydraulic fracture, and 50 mPa s fracturing fluid creates best guidance to propagation of hydraulic fracture. The gray correlation analysis showed that the influences (from strong to weak) of the above factors on guidance of radial borehole were listed as follows: azimuth of radial borehole > injection rate of fracturing fluid > horizontal in-situ stress differences > Young's modulus of rock > viscosity of fracturing fluid > borehole diameter of radial borehole > radial borehole spacing > reservoir permeability > length of radial borehole > Poisson's ratio. This study provided theoretical evidence for directional propagation of hydraulic fracture promoted by radial borehole, and it predicted the guidance of radial borehole to hydraulic fracture in a certain extent, which is helpful for planning well-completion and fracturing operation in technology of hydraulic fracturing promoted by radial borehole.