Investigation of Processes of Interaction between Hydraulic and Natural Fractures by PFC Modeling Comparing against Laboratory Experiments and Analytical Models

Hydraulic fracturing technology is usually used to stimulate tight gas reservoirs for increasing gas production. The stimulated volume depends in part on the pre-existing natural fractures in a reservoir. The mechanisms influencing the interaction between hydraulic fractures and natural fractures have to be well understood in order to achieve a successful application of hydraulic fracturing. In this paper, hydraulic fracturing simulations were performed based on a two-dimensional Particle Flow Code with an embedded Smooth Joint Model to investigate the interactions between hydraulic fractures and natural fractures and compare these against laboratory experimental results and analytical models. Firstly, the ability of the Smooth Joint Model to mimic the natural rock joints was validated. Secondly, the interactions between generated hydraulic fractures and natural fractures were simulated. Lastly, the influence of angle of approach, in situ differential stress, and the permeability of natural fractures was studied. It is found that the model is capable of simulating the variety of interactions between hydraulic fractures and natural fractures such as Crossed type, Arrested type and Dilated type, and the modeling examples agree well with the experimental results. Under high approach angles and high differential stresses, the hydraulic fractures tend to cross pre-existing natural fractures. Under contrary conditions, a hydraulic fracture is more likely to propagate along the natural fracture and re-initiate at a weak point or the tip of the natural fracture. Moreover, these numerical results are in good agreement compared with Blanton’s criterion. The variety of permeability of natural fractures has a great effect on their interactions, which should not be overlooked in hydraulic fracturing studies.