The rapid development of shale gas

a clean and low-carbon unconventional natural gas

plays a key role in supporting China’s goals for achieving a carbon peak and carbon neutrality. Over the past decade

China has made significant strides in the theoretical and technical aspects of shale gas fracturing

progressing from non-existence to existence and evolving from followers to partially leading the field. This paper discusses three critical aspects of the shale gas fracturing process: fracture layout

fracture creation

and support fracture

yielding several key insights: ① The primary objectives in optimizing the characteristics of the fracture network are to maximize reservoir modification volume and fracture complexity. This maximization is crucial for enhancing the shale gas production capacity. ② During the fracturing process

it is essential to ensure uniform fracture initiation across each cluster. However

due to the non-homogeneity of the ground stress field and the presence of structural weak surfaces such as natural fractures

inter-cluster collusion or overlap of fractured fractures often occurs. This results in the actual fracture seam spacing being unequal to the planned cluster spacing. ③ Under conditions of close cutting and strong sand addition

the applicability of limit flow restriction fracturing is limited. The scientific challenges related to temporary plugging at the fracture mouth

temporary plugging within the fracture

and sand placement in narrow bifurcation seams remain unresolved. These challenges involve complex liquid-solid two-phase flow dynamics. ④ For fractures containing proppant

it is necessary to determine the inflow capacity demand and distribution mode based on the reservoir’s capacity or production demands. Subsequently

optimizing the proppant parameters and the sand placement process is crucial. The paper concludes that ongoing enhancement in theoretical research and process technology related to the fracturing transformation of deep and ultra-deep shale reservoirs is essential. It is imperative to refine

accurately design

and differentially set the fracturing construction parameters

elucidate the transport mechanism and distribution mode of proppant in complex fracture networks

and optimize fracture conductivity comprehensively. The research findings presented here are of significant reference value for the development of deep to ultra-deep shale gas in China

aiming to achieve cost reduction

quality improvement

and efficiency enhancement.