Abstract:
To address the complex mechanisms of fracture propagation and stress field redistribution during intra-fracture temporary plugging in naturally fractured tight reservoirs, based on the geomechanical characteristics of the fractured tight reservoirs in Xinjiang Oilfield, this study established a mathematical model for the stress field induced by hydraulic fractures and analyzed the stress distribution patterns around the fractures prior to temporary plugging. Finite element simulations were conducted to investigate the stress redistribution process associated with different propagation scenarios, including single hydraulic fracture, fracture intersection, and secondary diversion of natural fractures. The initiation mechanism of new fractures and the evolution law of the stress field during the intra-fracture temporary plugging were systematically investigated. The results show that dual-field superposition effect induces local stress vector diversion, thereby remarkably enhancing the potential of fracture diversion and propagation. The intersection of hydraulic fractures with natural fractures and secondary diversion trigger the second and third stress redistributions, respectively, regulating the activation and diversion of natural fractures and branch fractures. The pore pressure increase due to temporary plugging can significantly enhance the local stress concentration, thereby evidently boosting stress perturbation and accelerating fracture initiation, propagation, and diversion. The numerical model established for fracture propagation during intra-fracture temporary plugging and multi-field coupling analysis method provide theoretical guidance for the design of field-scale temporary plugging and diversion fracturing operations.