Understanding hydraulic fracture mechanisms: From the laboratory to numerical modelling
Abstract view|232|times PDF download|103|times
Abstract
The development of fracture networks associated with hydraulic fracturing operations are extremely complex multiphysics processes and there is still no accepted methodology for mapping or realistic recreating such fracture networks. This is an issue especially for modeling purposes, as, ideally, an accurate numerical representation, and subsequent numerical model, should be able to honor the trajectory, type, connectivity, and geometric properties of the complex fracture network generated. This research proposes a novel framework capable of conducting fluid flow numerical simulations based on mapped fracture networks induced during hydraulic fracturing laboratory experiments where a shale sample, under true triaxial reservoir stress conditions, is subjected to fluid injection to mimic a single stage open-hole in-situ hydraulic fracture operation. The resulting post-test fracture network of the shale sample is filled with fluorescent dyed epoxy and subsequently imaged. The images are segmented, and individual fractures are classified based on their geometrical characteristics, as parted bedding planes, opened natural fractures, and newly generated hydraulic fractures. The digital fracture network is numerically represented for fluid flow simulation using a dual-porosity model within the finite volume method. In the numerical reconstruction, fractures are implicitly represented in a set of cells with virtual fracture aperture. The properties of each grid cell are assigned based on fracture classification, and flow between grid cells is explicitly assigned based on the connectivity of the grid cells. Findings show faster fluid drainage parallel to bedding planes (horizontal) than in the vertical direction, indicating strong fluid flow anisotropy.
Document Type: Research highlight
Cited as: Abdelaziz, A., Ha, J., Li, M., Magsipoc, E., Sun, L., Grasselli, G. Understanding hydraulic fracture mechanisms: From the laboratory to numerical modelling. Advances in Geo-Energy Research, 2023, 7(1): 66-68. https://doi.org/10.46690/ager.2023.01.07
Keywords
Full Text:
PDFReferences
Abdelaziz, A., Ha, J., Abul Khair, H., et al. Unconventional shale hydraulic fracturing under true triaxial laboratory conditions, the value of understanding your reservoir. Paper SPE 196026 Presented at SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 30 September-2 October, 2019.
Al Mteiri, S., Suboyin, A., Rahman, M. M., et al. Hydraulic fracture propagation and analysis in heterogeneous middle eastern tight gas reservoirs: Influence of natural fractures and well placement. ACS Omega, 2021, 6(1): 799-815.
Feng, Q., Xu, S., Xing, X., et al. Advances and challenges in shale oil development: A critical review. Advances in Geo-Energy Research, 2020, 4(4): 406-418.
Hubbert, M. K., Willis, D. G. Mechanics of hydraulic fracturing. Transactions of the AIME, 1957, 210(1): 153-168.
Li, M., Magsipoc, E., Abdelaziz, A., et al. Mapping fracture complexity of fractured shale in laboratory: Three-dimensional reconstruction from serial-section images. Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, 2022, 55(5): 2937-2948.
Liu, C., Zhang, L., Li, Y., et al. Effects of microfractures on permeability in carbonate rocks based on digital core technology. Advances in Geo-Energy Research, 2022, 6(1): 86-90.
Lombos, L., Roberts, D. W., King, M. S. Design and development of integrated true triaxial rock testing system. True Triaxial Testing of Rocks, 2012, 4: 35.
Magsipoc, E., Li, M., Abdelaziz, A., et al. Analysis of the fracture morphologies from a laboratory hydraulic fracture experiment on Montney shale. Paper ARMA-IGS-20-061 Presented at ARMA/DGS/SEG International Geomechanics Symposium, Virtual, 3-5 November, 2020.
Shimamoto, T., Logan, J. M. Effects of simulated clay gouges on the sliding behavior of Tennessee sandstone. Tectonophysics, 1981, 75(3-4): 243-255.
Tatone, B. S. A., Grasselli, G. A method to evaluate the three-dimensional roughness of fracture surfaces in brittle geomaterials. Review of Scientific Instruments, 2009, 80(12): 125110.
Tsang, C. F., Neretnieks, I. Flow channeling in heterogeneous fractured rocks. Reviews of Geophysics, 1998: 36(2): 275-298.
Young, R. P., Nasseri, M. H.B., Lombos, L. Imaging the effect of the intermediate principal stress on strength, deformation and transport properties of rocks using seismic methods, in True Triaxial Testing of Rocks, edited by Kwasniewski, M., Li, X., and Takahashi, M., CRC Press, London, pp. 167-179, 2012.
Zhao, Z., Li, X., Wang, Y., et al. A laboratory study of the effects of interbeds on hydraulic fracture propagation in shale formation. Energies, 2016, 9(7): 556.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.46690/ager.2023.01.07
Refbacks
- There are currently no refbacks.
Copyright (c) 2022 The Author(s)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.