Abstract: As a new block for shale oil development in China, Mabei area has huge development potential. However, the impact of fracture network structures generated by hydraulic fracturing on oil well drainage efficiency has not been fully studied. Therefore, accurately characterizing fracture networks is crucial for improving oil well production. This study monitored the pressure data after shut-in of 7 shale oil wells in Mabei area and used the Bourdet method to plot pressure drop characteristic curves to evaluate the fracture network morphology. By integrating fracturing parameters and production test data, this study aims to provide a scientific basis for the efficient development of shale oil in this area. The study selected seven wells of shale oil in the Mabei area as research subjects. Initially, detailed monitoring of shut-in pressure data from these wells was conducted. Subsequently, pressure drop characteristic curves were plotted using the Bourdet method, which effectively reflects the morphology and characteristics of fracture networks. By analyzing the morphology and characteristics of the pressure drop derivative curves, combined with fracturing parameters (such as breakdown pressure and sand volume per meter) and production test data (such as oil breakthrough time and production rates), a comprehensive evaluation of fracture network characteristics was performed. The study focused on key parameters such as main fracture length, secondary fracture width, density, and permeability, aiming to systematically reveal the development characteristics of fracture networks. The results showed that fracture networks of shale oil in Mabei area could be classified into three types. Type I fracture networks had short main fracture lengths, medium secondary fracture widths, high density, and high permeability. The pressure drop derivative curves showed deep V-shaped characteristics leaning to lower left, indicating that this type of fractured network was dominated by conductivity and could effectively improve oil well drainage efficiency. Type II fracture networks had medium main fracture lengths, wide secondary fracture widths, medium density, and low permeability. The pressure drop derivative curves showed shallow V-shaped characteristics leaning to upper right, indicating that this type of fractured network was mainly storage-oriented. Although their conductivity was relatively weak, they still held certain development potential. Type III fracture networks, characterized by long main fracture lengths, narrow secondary fracture widths, low density, and medium permeability, were overall underdeveloped. Their shut-in pressure drop derivative curves lacked distinct morphological characteristics, indicating that this type of fractured network had late oil breakthrough during the production process and was unfavorable for efficient oil well development. The study also revealed an important pattern. In wells with low breakdown pressure, under the same fracturing conditions, excessively high sand volume per meter tended to lead to the formation of Type III fracture networks. Therefore, to improve shale oil development efficiency in Mabei area, subsequent fracturing designs should focus on avoiding the formation of Type III fracture networks. Specific measures include optimizing fracturing parameters, such as reasonably controlling sand volume per meter, to enhance the conductivity and storage capacity of fracture networks, thereby achieving efficient shale oil development. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the characteristics of fracture networks in the Mabei shale oil area and offers practical recommendations for optimizing hydraulic fracturing operations to maximize well productivity. Future research can expand the sample size and incorporate numerical simulations and field experiments to further validate these findings and refine the strategies for efficient shale oil development.

Key words: shale oil in Mabei area, shut-in, pressure drop curve, fracture network, pressure drop derivative