Structural formation and evolution mechanisms of fracture plugging zone
Chengyuan Xu, Jingyi Zhang, Yili Kang, Feng Xu, Chong Lin, Xiaopeng Yan, Haoran Jing, Xiangyu Shang
Abstract
A coupled CFD-DEM method is used to simulate the formation process of fracture plugging zone. A photo-elastic system characterizing mesoscale force chain network developed by our own is used to model the pressure evolution in fracture plugging zone to reveal the evolution mechanism of the structure of fracture plugging zone. A theoretical basis is provided for improving the lost circulation control effect in fractured reservoirs and novel methods are proposed for selecting loss control materials and designing loss control formula. CFD-DEM simulation results show that bridging probability is the key factor determining the formation of fracture plugging zone and fracture plugging efficiency. Critical and absolute bridging concentrations are proposed as the key indexes for loss control formula design. With the increase of absolute bridging concentration, the governing factor of bridging is changed from material grain size to the combination of material grain size and friction force. Results of photo-elastic experiments show that mesoscale force chain network is the intrinsic factor affecting the evolution of pressure exerting on the fracture plugging zone and determines the macroscopic strength of fracture plugging zone. Performance parameters of loss control material affect the force chain network structure and the ratio of stronger force chain, and further impact the stability and strength of fracture plugging zone. Based on the study results, the loss control formula is optimized and new-type loss control material is designed. Laboratory experiments results show that the fracture plugging efficiency and strength is effectively improved.