Non-symmetry of a hydraulic fracture due to the inhomogeneity of the reservoir

Abstract

It is usually assumed that hydraulic fracture has two symmetrical wings with respect to the fluid injection point. Hence, authors limit themselves to modelling of one half of the fracture. In our work we demonstrate that the case of a symmetrical fracture occurs only in a homogeneous reservoir with constant physical parameters and confining {\it in situ} stress. Otherwise, inhomogeneity in the stress or the rock permeability can significantly change the dynamics of the fracture propagation. The mathematical model of the hydraulic fracturing used in the paper is adopted from our earlier work \cite{Golovin_Baykin_2016_Pore}. In present paper we perform numerical experiments demonstrating that in case of non-constant confining stress or reservoir permeability the fracture is developing non-symmetrically. An important role is played by the action of the backstress that is formed near the fracture due to the pore pressure. To support this observation we give a formal definition of the backstress and compare the values of the backstress acting on the two different fracture wings. These numerical experiments underline the importance of the proper modelling of the interaction between pore and fracturing fluids for the correct simulation of the hydraulic fracturing.