A calculation method for fracture width of ultra-deep carbonate rock

ABSTRACT: The viscosity of fracturing fluid is the key parameter that can affect hydraulic fracturing. The fracture width is determined by the viscosity of the fracturing fluid. However, for ultra-deep carbonate rock formations, high temperature and high-pressure formation conditions will lead to large changes in rock mechanical parameters. Furthermore, the influence law and mechanism of fracturing fluid viscosity on fracture width are not clear. Therefore, we use triaxial experiments on the ultra-deep carbonate rock core of Tarim Oilfield to measure rock mechanics parameters and then build artificial carbonate samples to make fracturing experiments under the acoustic signals supervision. Based on the experimental results and the theoretical formula research, the formula for calculating the hydraulic fracture width of ultra-deep carbonate reservoirs is formed. Using this formula to calculate the fracture width, and then evaluate the fracture conductivity according to the fracture width, finally can provide a theoretical basis for the estimation of the oil and gas output of the fractured well.