Integrated Workflow with Fracture Propagation and Numerical Simulation Technology for Production Improvement in Unconventional Reservoir

Abstract

Addressing the challenges identified in the early-stage development practices of the thick, mountainous, high-ash dolomitic-mixed shale oil in the Yingxiongling area of the Qaidam Basin-such as insufficient integration of well patterns and fracture networks, lack of coordinated optimization in 3D development design, prominent inter-well interference, the need to further improve reserves controlled by wells and fractures, the deficiency in well pattern optimization techniques, and unclear understanding of development patterns and techno-economic systems-this study aims for the scale-effective development of Yingxiongling shale oil. It focuses on multiple research initiatives including shale oil reservoir engineering methods, 3D development models, well pattern-fracture network system matching and optimization technologies, productivity evaluation, and development pattern prediction technologies for well pattern design, optimization, and profitable development. This work has led to the formation of a series of integrated geological-engineering development technologies for the thick, multi-enriched shale intervals in the Yingxiongling area of the Qaidam Basin. A rational development model has been established, and an overall development plan for full reservoir utilization has been formulated to support the scale-effective development of mixed shale oil.