In the heart of China’s Junggar Basin, the Mahu oilfield presents a formidable challenge for energy producers. The tight conglomerate reservoir’s poor quality, significant horizontal stress differences, and strong heterogeneity make oil extraction a complex and costly endeavor. However, a groundbreaking study led by Huiying Tang of the National Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Reservoir Geology and Exploitation at Southwest Petroleum University in Chengdu, China, is set to revolutionize how we approach these challenges.
Tang and her team have developed an intelligent optimization method for fracturing stage and cluster parameters, specifically tailored for tight oil reservoirs like those found in the Mahu oilfield. Their approach addresses the critical issues of unclear hydraulic fracture geometry and the lack of automation in stage and cluster designs, which have long plagued the industry.
The research begins with a sensitivity analysis to identify key parameters for stage division: the storage coefficient, brittleness index, and minimum horizontal principal stress. “By focusing on these parameters,” Tang explains, “we can create a more accurate and efficient stage division algorithm based on their similarity.” This algorithm is a significant step forward in optimizing the fracturing process, ensuring that each stage is tailored to the unique characteristics of the reservoir.
But the innovation doesn’t stop at stage division. The team also developed a single cluster production prediction dataset using a fracturing-production integrated numerical simulation method. This dataset allows for quick calculations of productivity for different cluster designs, enabling rapid optimization of cluster spacing and injection volume. The goal is to achieve balanced fracture initiation and propagation, a feat that has eluded many in the industry.
The practical implications of this research are immense. By automating the design process from well logging data, the method not only enhances efficiency but also significantly boosts production and profitability. Tang’s team applied their optimization method to a practical well in the Mahu oilfield, demonstrating a tangible increase in both production and profit. “The results speak for themselves,” Tang asserts. “Our method provides a clear path to optimizing fracturing designs in unconventional reservoirs, offering both theoretical and methodological support for the industry.”
The study, published in the journal Petroleum (Petroleum Science and Technology in English), marks a significant milestone in the field of unconventional reservoir management. As the energy sector continues to grapple with the complexities of tight oil reservoirs, Tang’s research offers a beacon of hope. By intelligently optimizing stage and cluster designs, the industry can look forward to more efficient, cost-effective, and profitable oil extraction processes. This breakthrough is poised to shape future developments, driving innovation and sustainability in the energy sector.
