A semi-analytical model for predicting fluid partitioning among multiple hydraulic fractures from a horizontal well

Sensitivity analysis was conducted by using the model, and simulation results show that perforation friction and interaction stress are two key factors that determine fluid partitioning among multiple fractures. When interaction stress dominates the flow pressure drop in multiple fractures, fluid partitioning among multiple fractures is uneven due to heterogeneous interaction stresses among multiple fractures; otherwise, fluid partitioning is evenly distributed. Decreasing the total number or diameter of perforation holes can promote uniform multi-fracture growth and fluid partitioning. Homogenous fluid partitioning can be achieved by decreasing the perforation number of exterior fractures, whereas increasing the perforation number of interior fractures minimally affects uniform fluid partitioning among multiple fractures.