Numerical simulation reveals simple fracture geometry in continental shale reservoirs, indicating that reduced cluster spacing enhances stimulated reservoir volume.
Key Points
Simple fracture geometry and reduced fracture length propagation constrain stimulated reservoir volume in heterogeneous continental shale reservoirs with multi-thin interlayers.
Clay mineral content exceeding 50% induces high rock plasticity and severe reservoir heterogeneity, which directly limits horizontal stress difference and vertical fracture height.
Numerical simulation and microseismic monitoring demonstrate that reducing cluster spacing while increasing fracturing fluid intensity effectively expands the fracability index.