An analytical model for describing sequential initiation and simultaneous propagation of multiple fractures in hydraulic fracturing shale oil/gas formations

Frac-driven interactions (FDI) cause sharp declines in gas and oil production rates followed by slow recovery or no recovery. How to minimize the FDI is an open problem for researchers and engineers to solve in the energy industry. An analytical model is presented in this paper for simulating simultaneous propagations of multiple fractures to identify factors affecting FDI. Result of sensitivity analyses with the model indicates that increasing fluid injection rate can depress the growth of long fractures and thus reduce FDI intensity. Using dilatant fracturing fluids can slow down the growth of long fractures and thus reduce the chance of FDI. In order to better apply the model to solving the FDI problem, future research should include determination of the critical fracture width in different types of shale gas/oil formations.