TY  - JOUR
AU  - Cheng, Cheng
AU  - Hui, Gang
AU  - Chen, Zhang-Xin
PY  - 2026
TI  - Energy-efficient fracturing based on stress-coupled perforation
JO  - Petroleum Science
SN  - 1672-5107
SP  - 4873
EP  - 4890
VL  - 23
IS  - 8
AB  - Hydraulic fracturing (HF) in horizontal wells frequently encounters challenges such as uneven fracture propagation and elevated energy consumption, largely due to stress shadow effects and perforation inefficiencies. This paper presents a novel stress-coupled perforation (SCP) technique that dynamically optimizes perforation cluster parameters by integrating real-time stress interference. The approach employs a semi-numerical model grounded in linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) and energy conservation principles, enabling rapid simulation of multi-fracture propagation with high accuracy. Field applications in both homogeneous and heterogeneous shale reservoirs demonstrate that SCP achieves more uniform fracture development while reducing energy consumption by 22%–37% per unit fracture area compared to the conventional extreme limited entry (EXL) method, without sacrificing fracture coverage. The method offers a practical and sustainable pathway to improve HF efficiency, lower operational costs, and reduce environmental impact.
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.petsci.2026.03.063
DO  - 10.1016/j.petsci.2026.03.063