MODELING HYDRAULIC FRACTURING OF DEEP SHALE GAS RESERVOIRS AT HPHT CONDITIONS

Abstract

A hydraulic fracturing model of shale gas reservoirs at deep HPHT conditions was built and adapted using programming codes and interface run by Visual Basic program which gives figures in Excel sheets. The model based on equations representing the effect of HPHT reservoir conditions on shale geomechanical properties and pressure losses in the tubing string for calculating fractures‟ dimensions and networks distribution. The design is based on tubing geometry, slurry properties, formation geomechanical properties under HPHT conditions and also on intensity of shale gas networks. Comparison to other models showed that when pressure losses inside long tubing reaching deep reservoirs and the effect of HPHT are taken into account, more accurate values for slurry pumped and future gas production are estimated from shale gas and less damage to surrounding formation is obtained. Finally, the effect of each factor on model results was discussed in detail