Competitive propagation of multi-fractures and their control on multi-clustered fracturing of horizontal wells

For the issue of multi-fracture growth from horizontal multi-fractured wells, a new model of multiple fracture growth model was established based on the approximate solutions of interaction stresses among multi-fractures. The computation amount of the model was reduced because of using an approximate method, and the accuracy of the model was validated by the Implicit Level Set Algorithm, which is a benchmark simulator of multi-fracture propagation simulation. Then simulations about fracture length, fracture width and influx rate under different parameters based on the model show that perforation loss and interaction stress are two dominate factors controlling fluid partitioning into each fracture. Influenced by the compression effect exerted by the exterior fractures, inflow rate, fracture length and fracture width of the middle fractures are less than the exterior fractures, and the effect can be weakened by increasing fracture spacing. Decreasing perforation numbers and diameters, or using non-uniform perforation method can promote homogeneous growth of multiple fractures. The research provides a theoretical basis and reference for optimization of multi-fracture propagation.