A poroelastic numerical model for simulation of hydraulic fracture propagation: Application to Upper Safa formation-Western Desert-Egypt

• Main Author: Reda Abdel Azim
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: KeAi Communications Co., Ltd. 2020-03-01
• Series: Petroleum Research
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2096249519300651

The hydraulic fracturing in tight sand formations has a significant importance in improving its production potential. In this study, a poroelastic numerical model is presented in order to study the reservoirs and rock mechanical properties that affect the propagation of the hydraulic fracture. The poroelastic model simulate fully coupled fluid flow, pressures and stress changes by using finite element technique. The results show that the formation permeability and fracture toughness are key parameters in the design of hydraulic fracture treatment.A case study applied in Upper Safa formation in a well-located western desert Egypt. The formation is very tight with permeability of 0.1md and the objective here is to optimize the design procedures for hydraulic fracture treatment. The results show that the formation needs to be pumped for about 5 min to produce hydraulic fracture length of 182 ft. In addition, the total pumping time (30 min) is vital to produce the desired total fracture length of 1000 ft. Keywords: Fracture propagation, Finite element, Upper Safa formation, Poroelastic, Leak off model