Impact of water and nitrogen fracturing fluids on fracturing initiation pressure and flow pattern in anisotropic shale reservoirs

A numerical model is proposed to investigate the impact of water and nitrogen fracturing fluids on the fracturing initiation pressure and the flow pattern in anisotropic shale reservoirs. This model considers the anisotropy of shale deformation and permeability, the compressibility of fracturing fluid, and the fluid moving front. A crack initiation criterion is established with the stress intensity factor of mode I crack. Both crack initiation pressure and seepage area are verified and analyzed. These results show that shale deformation and permeability anisotropy, fracturing fluid compressibility, viscosity, and pressurization rate have significant impacts on fracturing initiation pressure and seepage area.