Impact of hydraulic fracturing on a nearby well under drilling

Abstract

The premise of the study is increasing cases of negative impacts of hydraulic fracturing on nearby wells that are still being drilled, especially in areas with dense well clustering and abnormally high reservoir pressure. This paper is to identify the mechanisms of pressure and fracture propagation during hydraulic fracturing, assess their effects on the integrity of unfinished wells, and propose engineering measures to minimize risks. The leading method for the study is a combination of geomechanical and hydrodynamic modeling using KGD, PKN, and 3D fracture growth simulations, supported by analysis of real-world incidents. As a result, the authors of this paper found that under unfavorable geological and structural conditions, the fracture influence radius can exceed 300 meters, posing risks of casing damage, fluid leaks, and cross-flow between layers. In addition, the authors have developed, including adjusting well spacing, early cementing of vulnerable intervals, using monitoring systems, and performing hydraulic fracturing in stages. The practical value of this work consists in applying these findings to well design and operation to improve industrial safety and reduce accidents during simultaneous drilling and hydraulic fracturing.