Theoretical and Experimental Research on Hydraulic Fracturing

1980 ◽  
Vol 102 (2) ◽  
pp. 92-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. E. Hanson ◽  
G. D. Anderson ◽  
R. J. Shaffer
Keyword(s):  
Hydraulic Fracturing ◽  
Experimental Research ◽  
Numerical Models ◽  
Normal Load ◽  
In Situ Stress ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Porous Flow ◽  
Bonded Interface ◽  
Fracturing Process ◽  
In Situ Stress Field

We are conducting a joint theoretical/experimental research program on hydraulic fracturing. Newly developed two-dimensional numerical models (which include complete descriptions of the elastic continuum and porous flow fluids) have been applied to analyze the effects of pore pressure on the fracturing process. By means of small-scale experiments, we are acquiring a better understanding of the effects of the in-situ stress field, the porosity and permeability of the solid, and the presence of interfaces or layering in the solid. Experimentally, we have been studying the growth of cracks near an interface in several materials, including polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), Nugget sandstone, and Indiana limestone. Results have shown that the mechanical properties of the interface relative to the properties of the materials on either side are important. A crack will not cross a well-bonded interface between two pieces of PMMA, even in the presence of a 13.79-MPa (2000-psi) normal load. Cracks will cross a well-bonded interface from PMMA to limestone, but not vice versa. Similarly, cracks will propagate across a bonded interface from Nugget sandstone to limestone, but not the other way. Pressure-driven cracks will cross an unbonded interface between limestone blocks at normal loads as low as 3.45 MPa (500 psi).

Some Effects of Stress, Friction, and Fluid Flow on Hydraulic Fracturing

1982 ◽  
Vol 22 (03) ◽  
pp. 321-332 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.E. Hanson ◽  
G.D. Anderson ◽  
R.J. Shaffer ◽  
L.D. Thorson
Keyword(s):  
Fluid Flow ◽  
Hydraulic Fracturing ◽  
Hydraulic Fracture ◽  
Research Program ◽  
In Situ Stress ◽  
Material Interfaces ◽  
Fracture Geometry ◽  
Funded Research ◽  
Fracturing Process

Abstract We are conducting a U.S. DOE-funded research program aimed at understanding the hydraulic fracturing process, especially those phenomena and parameters that strongly affect or control fracture geometry. Our theoretical and experimental studies consistently confirm the well-known fact that in-situ stress has a primary effect on fracture geometry, and that fractures propagate perpendicular to the least principal stress. In addition, we find that frictional interfaces in reservoirs can affect fracturing. We also have quantified some effects on fracture geometry caused by frictional slippage along interfaces. We found that variation of friction along an interface can result in abrupt steps in the fracture path. These effects have been seen in the mineback of emplaced fractures and are demonstrated both theoretically and in the laboratory. Further experiments and calculations indicate possible control of fracture height by vertical change in horizontal stresses. Preliminary results from an analysis of fluid flow in small apertures are discussed also. Introduction Hydraulic fracturing and massive hydraulic fracturing (MHF) are the primary candidates for stimulating production from tight gas reservoirs. MHF can provide large drainage surfaces to produce gas from the low- permeability formation if the fracture surfaces remain in the productive parts of the reservoir. To determine whether it is possibleto contain these fractures in the productive formations andto design the treatment to accomplish this requires a much broader knowledge of the hydraulic fracturing process. Identification of the parameters controlling fracture geometry and the application of this information in designing and performing the hydraulic stimulation treatment is a principal technical problem. Additionally, current measurement technology may not be adequate to provide the required data. and new techniques may have to be devised. Lawrence Livermore Natl. Laboratory has been conducting a DOE-funded research program whose ultimate goal is to develop models that predict created hydraulic fracture geometry within the reservoir. Our approach has been to analyze the phenomenology of the fracturing process to son out and identify those parameters influencing hydraulic fracture geometry. Subsequent model development will incorporate this information. Current theoretical and stimulation design models are based primarily on conservation of mass and provide little insight into the fracturing process. Fracture geometry is implied in the application of these models. Additionally, pressure and flow initiation in the fractures and their interjection with the fracturing process is not predicted adequately with these models. We have reported previously on some rock-mechanics aspects of the fracturing process. For example, we have studied, theoretically and experimentally, pressurized fracture propagation in the neighborhood of material interfaces. Results of interface studies showed that natural fractures in the interfacial region negate any barrier effect when the fracture is propagating from a lower modulus material toward a higher modulus material. On the other hand, some fracture containment could occur when the fracture is propagating from a higher modulus into a lower modulus material. Effect of moduli changes on the in-situ stress field have to be taken into consideration to evaluate fracture containment by material interfaces. Some preliminary analyses have been performed to evaluate how stress changes when material properties change, but we have not evaluated this problem fully. SPEJ P. 321^

Hydraulic Fracturing Process: Roles of In Situ Stress and Rock Strength

2012 ◽  
Vol 616-618 ◽  
pp. 435-440
Author(s):  
Yan Jun Feng ◽  
Xiu Wei Shi
Keyword(s):  
Hydraulic Fracturing ◽  
Analytical Model ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Rock Strength ◽  
Fracture Initiation ◽  
In Situ Stress ◽  
Experimental Investigations ◽  
Propagation Process ◽  
Fracturing Process

This paper presents results of a comprehensive study involving analytical and field experimental investigations into the factors controlling the hydraulic fracturing process. Analytical theories for fracture initiation of vertical and horizontal borehole are reviewed. The initiation and propagation process of hydraulic fracturing is performed in the field by means of hydraulic fracturing and stepwise hydraulic fracturing, the effect of factors such as in-situ stress and rock strength on fracture propagation process is studied and discussed. The fracture initiation pressures estimated from the analytical model and field experiments are compared as well as the fracturing process during case 1and case 2. Results from the analytical model and field experiments conducted in this study are interpreted with a particular effort to enlighten the factors controlling the hydraulic fracturing process.

scholarly journals A criterion for identifying a mixed-mode I/II hydraulic fracture crossing a natural fracture in the subsurface

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (6) ◽  
pp. 2507-2520
Author(s):  
Yijin Zeng ◽  
Wan Cheng ◽  
Xu Zhang ◽  
Bo Xiao
Keyword(s):  
Hydraulic Fracturing ◽  
Hydraulic Fracture ◽  
Mixed Mode ◽  
Petroleum Reservoirs ◽  
In Situ Stress ◽  
Natural Fracture ◽  
Mode I ◽  
Pure Mode ◽  
True Triaxial ◽  
Fracturing Process

Hydraulic fracturing has been proven to be an effective technique for stimulating petroleum reservoirs. During the hydraulic fracturing process, the effects of the natural fracture, perforation orientation, stress reorientation, etc. lead to the production of a non-planar, mixed-mode I/II hydraulic fracture. In this paper, a criterion for a mixed-mode I/II hydraulic fracture crossing a natural fracture was first proposed based on the stress field around the hydraulic and natural fractures. When the compound degree (KII/KI) approaches zero, this criterion can be simplified to identify a pure mode I hydraulic fracture crossing a natural fracture. A series of true triaxial fracturing tests were conducted to investigate the influences of natural fracture occurrence and in situ stress on hydraulic fracture propagation. These experimental results agree with the predictions of the proposed criterion.

A Diverse Set of Validation Experiments for Hydraulic Fracturing Simulators

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Murtadha J. AlTammar ◽  
Mukul M. Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Hydraulic Fracturing ◽  
Physical Models ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Controlled Environment ◽  
Mechanical Heterogeneity ◽  
Direct Observations ◽  
Numerical Predictions ◽  
Fracturing Process ◽  
Stress Contrast ◽  
Fracturing Experiments

Abstract In recent years, numerical fracturing simulation has seen an unprecedented emphasis on capturing the complexities that arise in hydraulic fracturing to better design and execute hydraulic fracturing jobs. As the need for more sophisticated simulators grows, so does the need for more sophisticated physical models that can be used to study the mechanics of the fracturing process under a controlled environment, and to validate the numerical predictions of advanced hydraulic fracturing simulators. We developed and utilized novel laboratory capabilities to perform an extensive set of fracturing experiments across various aspects of hydraulic fracture propagation including the effect of far-field stress contrast, rock mechanical heterogeneity, multi-well injection, borehole notching, fluid injection method, type of injection fluid, and interaction with natural fractures. Numerous direct observations and digital image analyses are documented to provide fundamental insights in hydraulic fracturing. As demonstrated through a few case studies from the literature, our laboratory experiments are very useful for validating hydraulic fracturing simulators due to the small-scale, two-dimensional (2-D) nature, controlled environment, and well-characterized properties of the test specimens used in the experiments.

scholarly journals Fracture Propagation and Morphology Due to Non-Aqueous Fracturing: Competing Roles between Fluid Characteristics and In Situ Stress State

Minerals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 428
Author(s):  
Yunzhong Jia ◽  
Zhaohui Lu ◽  
Hong Liu ◽  
Jiehao Wang ◽  
Yugang Cheng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Hydraulic Fracturing ◽  
Fracture Propagation ◽  
Horizontal Stress ◽  
In Situ Stress ◽  
Fluid Viscosity ◽  
Low Viscosity ◽  
Fracturing Process ◽  
Fluid Characteristics

Non-aqueous or gaseous stimulants are alternative working fluids to water for hydraulic fracturing in shale reservoirs, which offer advantages including conserving water, avoiding clay swelling and decreasing formation damage. Hence, it is crucial to understand fluid-driven fracture propagation and morphology in shale formations. In this research, we conduct fracturing experiments on shale samples with water, liquid carbon dioxide, and supercritical carbon dioxide to explore the effect of fluid characteristics and in situ stress on fracture propagation and morphology. Moreover, a numerical model that couples rock property heterogeneity, micro-scale damage and fluid flow was built to compare with experimental observations. Our results indicate that the competing roles between fluid viscosity and in situ stress determine fluid-driven fracture propagation and morphology during the fracturing process. From the macroscopic aspect, fluid-driven fractures propagate to the direction of maximum horizontal stress direction. From the microscopic aspect, low viscosity fluid easily penetrates into pore throats and creates branches and secondary fractures, which may deflect the main fracture and eventually form the fracture networks. Our results provide a new understanding of fluid-driven fracture propagation, which is beneficial to fracturing fluid selection and fracturing strategy optimization for shale gas hydraulic fracturing operations.

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