Fracture cross-layer propagation patterns and stimulation effectiveness evaluation in thin interbedded reservoir models

Abstract

Offshore thin interbedded reservoirs are characterized by frequent alternation of sandstone and mudstone, strong vertical heterogeneity, and complex fracture cross-layer propagation mechanisms, which constitute a key challenge constraining efficient hydraulic fracturing stimulation. This study investigates a typical thin interbedded sandstone reservoir, quantitatively classifying the reservoir into three representative models based on adjacent layer thickness ratio: homogeneous-dominated, sand-dominated, and mudstone-dominated types. Using the Planar Three-Dimensional (PL3D) fracture propagation model, 235 simulation scenarios were systematically analyzed to reveal the controlling effects of interlayer stress difference and pumping rate on fracture cross-layer propagation capability. Results indicate that interlayer stress difference is the dominant controlling factor for fracture cross-layer propagation, with 8 MPa identified as the critical threshold for thin interbedded cross-layer propagation. When the stress contrast exceeds this value, fractures transition from three-dimensional penetration to single-layer horizontal propagation. Increasing pumping rate primarily drives horizontal fracture extension, constrained by the diminishing marginal effect of net pressure, and an optimal pumping rate range exists for fracture conductivity. Under high stress contrast conditions, simply increasing pumping rate cannot overcome the stress barrier. A quantitative mapping relationship between thin interbedded reservoir models and fracture geometries was systematically established, where fracture geometry evolution controls the spatial distribution characteristics of conductivity and constrains long-term productivity. A multi-dimensional evaluation chart integrating vertical fracture connectivity and stimulated reservoir area efficiency was constructed, delineating the quantitative boundaries of fracture cross-layer propagation capability under different geological and engineering conditions. Long-term development simulation demonstrates that three-dimensional cross-layer stimulation increases cumulative oil production by 2.7 times compared to single-layer stimulation. The research findings provide a theoretical basis and technical support for hydraulic fracturing parameter optimization and three-dimensional stimulation design in offshore thin interbedded reservoirs.

Keywords

Thin interbedded reservoir / PL3D fracture propagation / Fracture cross-layer propagation patterns / Evaluation chart / Stimulation effectiveness evaluation

CRediT authorship contribution statement

Lijun Zhang: Methodology, Investigation, Writing – original draft. Tianwei Sun: Conceptualization, Methodology, Supervision, Writing – review & editing. Nan Li: Investigation, Data curation. Xinwei Xiong: Investigation, Software. Borui Li: Formal analysis, Visualization. Guodong Zou: Investigation, Data curation. Bin Liang: Investigation, Formal analysis. Shuai Liu: Investigation, Visualization.

Data availability

Data will be made available on request.

Declaration of competing interest

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

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