Fractures interaction and propagation mechanism of multi-cluster fracturing on laminated shale oil reservoir

The continental shale reservoirs of Jurassic Lianggaoshan Formation in Sichuan Basin contain thin lamina, which is characterized by strong plasticity and developed longitudinal shell limestone interlayer. To improve the production efficiency of reservoirs by multi-cluster fracturing, it is necessary to consider the unbalanced propagation of hydraulic fractures and the penetration effect of fractures. This paper constructed a numerical model of multi-fracture propagation and penetration based on the finite element coupling cohesive zone method; considering the construction cluster spacing, pump rate, lamina strength and other parameters studied the influencing factors of multi-cluster fracture interaction propagation; combined with AE energy data and fracture mode reconstruction method, quantitatively characterized the comprehensive impact of the strength of thin interlayer rock interfaces on the initiation and propagation of fractures that penetrate layers, and accurately predicted the propagation pattern of hydraulic fractures through laminated shale oil reservoirs. Simulation results revealed that in the process of multi-cluster fracturing, the proportion of shear damage is low, and mainly occurs in bedding fractures activated by outer fractures. Reducing the cluster spacing enhances the fracture system's penetration ability, though it lowers the activation efficiency of lamina. The high plasticity of the limestone interlayer may impact the vertical propagation distance of the main fracture. Improving the interface strength is beneficial to the reconstruction of the fracture height, but the interface communication effect is limited. Reasonable selection of layers with moderate lamina strength for fracturing stimulation, increasing the pump rate during fracturing and setting the cluster spacing reasonably are beneficial to improve the effect of reservoir stimulation.