A comprehensive model for simulating fracturing fluid leakoff in natural fractures

Fluid leakoff in natural fractures determines hydraulic fracture geometry, especially in unconventional reservoirs. A mathematical model of fracturing fluid leakoff in natural fractures was developed in this study. The model considers more realistic conditions, including fracture fractal features, matrix filtration, stress sensitivity, and temperature. Simulation results indicate that fracture geometry, solid deposition, pressure conditions, and temperature have a significant effect on fracturing fluid leakoff. The leakoff velocity is significantly higher under high fractal dimension. However, leakoff velocity decreases with time owing to the formation of filter-cake. Pressure also influences leakoff velocity: with increasing pressure, the leakoff velocity increases significantly. In addition, the temperature in the natural fracture is almost equal to the formation temperature, which increases leakoff velocity significantly.