The goal of the present work is to numerically simulate the effects of wellbore orientation on fracture initiation pressure (FIP). These simulations support the study of FIP sensitivity to arbitrary wellbore position and finding the orientations that correspond to the lowest FIP. A 3D numerical model of the fracture initiation from a perforated wellbore in linear elastic rock is used to model FIP. This model is based on the boundary element method (BEM) and maximum tensile stress (MTS) criterion. The data used were from different zones and blocks of a tight gas-bearing sandstone field in the Sultanate of Oman. The amount and quality of available data allowed comprehensive model development. The model is built for the four blocks of the main field, but can be applied to the other blocks and fields. Since the equations and correlations are not empirical and not field-specific, the model is applicable to a wide range of conditions. Some practical applications of the study include selection of the optimum perforated intervals intended for fracturing stimulation in deviated or almost horizontal wellbores where different parts of lateral sections are not exactly aligned with principal stresses. Drilling wells in a particular direction to the principal stresses for the specific reason to reduce the FIP has not been tested to date and is a subject to further discussion. results of the recent jet-pump field trial. Finally, a brief summary of the key conclusions and plans forward will be shared.

The goal of the present work is to numerically simulate the effects of wellbore orientation on fracture initiation pressure (FIP). These simulations support the study of FIP sensitivity to arbitrary wellbore position and finding the orientations that correspond to the lowest FIP. A 3D numerical mo...