Diagnosis model of shale gas fracture network fracturing operation pressure curves

Affected by reservoir heterogeneity, developed natural fractures, and bedding fractures, the fracturing pressure curves in fracturing of shale gas horizontal wells present complex shapes. A large amount of information contained in the fracturing curves is still not fully excavated. Based on the theory of shale gas fracture network fracturing, the calculation model of bottom hole net pressure is established by integrating the real-time data such as casing pressure, pump rate, and proppant concentration. Net pressure slope and net pressure index are constructed as key parameters, and the net pressure curve is divided dynamically to describe the mechanical conditions corresponding to the fracture propagation behavior during the fracturing process. Six fracture propagation modes were identified, including fracture network propagation, fracture propagation blockage, normal fracture propagation, fracture propagation long bedding, fracture height growth, and rapid fluid filtration, and then the operation pressure curve diagnosis and identification method were formed for shale gas fracture network fracturing in horizontal wells. The shortcomings of conventional operation curve diagnosis and identification methods are abandoned and the fracture network complexity index is presented. The higher index indicates more time of fracture network propagation and fracture propagation along bedding and the better reservoir stimulation effect. The model is applied to shale gas wells in the southeastern margin of Sichuan Basin, and the average fracture network complexity index of a single well is 0.3, which is in good agreement with the microseismic monitoring results. This proves the good reliability of the method developed. The method is helpful to improve the potential and level of fracturing stimulation of shale reservoirs and is of great significance for improving the post-fracturing evaluation technology of fracture network and guiding the real-time dynamic adjustment of field fracturing operations.