Study of Fracture Propagation Mechanism of Horizontal Well Fracturing in Roof of Coal Seams

Abstract

Horizontal well fracturing in the roof of coal seams has been demonstrated to be an effective technique for extracting coalbed methane. However, the mechanism of hydraulic fracturing fracture expansion from roof to coal seam and penetrating the interlayer in multiple stage fracturing is not comprehensive. Mechanical properties of the reservoir, fracturing parameters, and fracturing mode are the mainly factors that influence extraction efficiencies. To explain the relationship between fracturing behaviors and coal, the interlayer and roof along with the fracture propagation and penetration in multiple stages of fracturing; the interaction mechanism of fracture propagation; and penetration with elastic modulus, injection velocity, and fluid viscosity are simulated in single and staged fracturing. Additionally, the effect of the fracturing mode on fracture propagation is considered. The results show that the coal seam strength dominantly influences longitudinal fracture propagation while marginally affecting circumferential stress. Significant modulus differences between coal-rock interlayers and coal seams hinder fracture propagation. In the case of a low injection rate and fluid viscosity, increasing the injection rate and fluid viscosity can help enlarge the fracture area and facilitate penetration. Multistage fracturing and its high injection rates are conducive to maximizing the efficiency of fracturing operations. These results contribute to understanding and optimizing hydraulic fracturing in coal seams for efficient coalbed methane extraction.