ON MICROSEISMIC EVENTS ASSOCIATED WITH FLUID-FILLED FRACTURE PROPAGATION IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO A NATURAL FAULT

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trudy L. Watkins ◽  
◽  
Juan Lorenzo ◽  
Arash Dahi Taleghani
2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yongliang Wang

Purpose Optimized three-dimensional (3D) fracture networks are crucial for multistage hydrofracturing. To better understand the mechanisms controlling potential disasters as well as to predict them in 3D multistage hydrofracturing, some governing factors, such as fluid injection-induced stratal movement, compression between multiple hydraulic fractures, fracturing fluid flow, fracturing-induced microseismic damaged and contact slip events, must be properly simulated via numerical models. This study aims to analyze the stratal movement and microseismic behaviours induced by multistage propagation of 3D multiple hydraulic fractures. Design/methodology/approach Adaptive finite element–discrete element method was used to overcome the limitations of conventional finite element methods in simulating 3D fracture propagation. This new approach uses a local remeshing and coarsening strategy to ensure the accuracy of solutions, reliability of fracture propagation path and computational efficiency. Engineering-scale numerical models were proposed that account for the hydro-mechanical coupling and fracturing fluid leak-off, to simulate multistage propagation of 3D multiple hydraulic fractures, by which the evolution of the displacement, porosity and fracture fields, as well as the fracturing-induced microseismic events were computed. Findings Stratal movement and compression between 3D multiple hydraulic fractures intensify with increasing proximity to the propagating fractures. When the perforation cluster spaces are very narrow, alternate fracturing can improve fracturing effects over those achieved via sequential or simultaneous fracturing. Furthermore, the number and magnitude of microseismic events are directly proportional to the stratal movement and compression induced by multistage propagation of fracturing fracture networks. Originality/value Microseismic events induced by multistage propagation of 3D multiple hydraulic fractures and perforation cluster spaces and fracturing scenarios that impact the deformation and compression among fractures in porous rock matrices are well predicted and analyzed.


SPE Journal ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (06) ◽  
pp. 1714-1738 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahdi Haddad ◽  
Jing Du ◽  
Sandrine Vidal-Gilbert

Summary Microseismic mapping during the hydraulic-fracturing processes in the Vaca Muerta (VM) Shale in Argentina shows a group of microseismic events occurring at shallower depth and at later injection time, and they clearly deviate from the growing planar hydraulic fracture. This spatial and temporal behavior of these shallow microseismic events incurs some questions regarding the nature of these events and their connectivity to the hydraulic fracture. To answer these questions, in this article, we investigate these phenomena by use of a true 3D fracture-propagation-modeling tool along with statistical analysis on the properties of microseismic events. First, we propose a novel technique in Abaqus incorporating fracture intersections in true 3D hydraulic-fracture-propagation simulations by use of a pore-pressure cohesive zone model (CZM), which is validated by comparing our numerical results with the Khristianovic-Geertsma-de Klerk (KGD) solution (Khristianovic and Zheltov 1955; Geertsma and de Klerk 1969). The simulations fully couple slot flow in the fracture with poroelasticity in the matrix and continuum-based leakoff on the fracture walls, and honor the fracture-tip effects in quasibrittle shales. By use of this model, we quantify vertical-natural-fracture activation and fluid infiltration depending on reservoir depth, fracturing-fluid viscosity, mechanical properties of the natural-fracture cohesive layer, natural-fracture conductivity, and horizontal stress contrast. The modeling results demonstrate this natural-fracture activation in coincidence with the hydraulic-fracture-growth complexities at the intersection, such as height throttling, sharp aperture reduction after the intersection, and multibranching at various heights and directions. Finally, we investigate the hydraulic-fracture intersection with a natural fracture in the multilayer VM Shale. We infer the natural-fracture location and orientation from the microseismic-events map and formation microimager log in a nearby vertical well, respectively. We integrate the other field information such as mechanical, geological, and operational data to provide a realistic hydraulic-fracturing simulation in the presence of a natural fracture. Our 3D fracturing simulations equipped with the new fracture-intersection model rigorously simulate the growth of a realistic hydraulic-connection path toward the natural fracture at shallower depths, which was in agreement with our microseismic observations.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Alexander Leines-Artieda ◽  
Chuxi Liu ◽  
Hongzhi Yang ◽  
Jianfa Wu ◽  
Cheng Chang ◽  
...  

Abstract Reliable estimates of hydraulic fracture geometry help reduce the uncertainty associated with estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) forecasts and optimize field developing planning in unconventional reservoirs. For these reasons, operators gather information from different sources with the objective to calibrate their hydraulic fracture models. Microseismic data is commonly acquired by operators to estimate hydraulic fracture geometry and to optimize well completion designs. However, relying solely on estimates derived from microseismic information may lead to inaccurate estimates of hydraulic fracture geometry. The objective of this study is to efficiently calibrate hydraulic fracture geometry by using microseismic data, physics-based fracture propagation models, and the embedded discrete fracture model (EDFM). We first obtain preliminary estimates of fracture geometry based on microseismic events’ spatial location and density with respect to the perforation cluster location. We then tune key completion parameters using an in-house fracture propagation model to provide hydraulic fracture geometries that are constrained by the microseismic cloud. In the history matching process, we included the effect of natural fractures, using the microseismic events location as natural fracture initiation points. Finally, we used cutoff coefficients to further reduce hydraulic fracture geometries to match production data. The results of this work showed a fast and flexible method to estimate fracture half-lengths and fracture heights, resulting in a direct indicator of the completion design. Additionally, hydraulic-natural fracture interactions were assessed. We concluded that the inclusion of cutoff coefficients as history matching parameters allows to derive realistic hydraulic and natural fracture models calibrated with microseismic and production data in unconventional reservoirs.


Author(s):  
John L. Beggs ◽  
John D. Waggener ◽  
Wanda Miller

Microtubules (MT) are versatile organelles participating in a wide variety of biological activity. MT involvement in the movement and transport of cytoplasmic components has been well documented. In the course of our study on trauma-induced vasogenic edema in the spinal cord we have concluded that endothelial vesicles contribute to the edema process. Using horseradish peroxidase as a vascular tracer, labeled endothelial vesicles were present in all situations expected if a vesicular transport mechanism was in operation. Frequently,labeled vesicles coalesced to form channels that appeared to traverse the endothelium. The presence of MT in close proximity to labeled vesicles sugg ested that MT may play a role in vesicular activity.


Author(s):  
Oliver C. Wells ◽  
Mark E. Welland

Scanning tunneling microscopes (STM) exist in two versions. In both of these, a pointed metal tip is scanned in close proximity to the specimen surface by means of three piezos. The distance of the tip from the sample is controlled by a feedback system to give a constant tunneling current between the tip and the sample. In the low-end STM, the system has a mechanical stability and a noise level to give a vertical resolution of between 0.1 nm and 1.0 nm. The atomic resolution STM can show individual atoms on the surface of the specimen.A low-end STM has been put into the specimen chamber of a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The first objective was to investigate technological problems such as surface profiling. The second objective was for exploratory studies. This second objective has already been achieved by showing that the STM can be used to study trapping sites in SiO2.


Author(s):  
R.H.M. Cross ◽  
C.E.J. Botha ◽  
A.K. Cowan ◽  
B.J. Hartley

Senescence is an ordered degenerative process leading to death of individual cells, organs and organisms. The detection of a conditional lethal mutant (achloroplastic) of Hordeum vulgare has enabled us to investigate ultrastructural changes occurring in leaf tissue during foliar senescence.Examination of the tonoplast structure in six and 14 day-old mutant tissue revealed a progressive degeneration and disappearance of the membrane, apparently starting by day six in the vicinity of the mitochondria associated with the degenerating proplastid (Fig. 1.) where neither of the plastid membrane leaflets is evident (arrows, Fig. 1.). At this stage there was evidence that the mitochondrial membranes were undergoing retrogressive changes, coupled with disorganization of cristae (Fig. 2.). Proplastids (P) lack definitive prolamellar bodies. The cytoplasmic matrix is largely agranular, with few endoplasmic reticulum (ER) cisternae or polyribosomal aggregates. Interestingly, large numbers of actively-budding dictysomes, associated with pinocytotic vesicles, were observed in close proximity to the plasmalemma of mesophyll cells (Fig. 3.). By day 14 however, mesophyll cells showed almost complete breakdown of subcellular organelle structure (Fig. 4.), and further evidence for the breakdown of the tonoplast. The final stage of senescence is characterized by the solubilization of the cell wall due to expression and activity of polygalacturonase and/or cellulose. The presence of dictyosomes with associated pinocytotic vesicles formed from the mature face, in close proximity to both the plasmalemma and the cell wall, would appear to support the model proposed by Christopherson for the secretion of cellulase. This pathway of synthesis is typical for secretory glycoproteins.


EDIS ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 (3) ◽  
pp. 3
Author(s):  
Travis W. Shaddox ◽  
Joseph Bryan Unruh

Nutrient applications are often required to meet Florida’s demand for agricultural and horticultural commodities, but often those applications occur in close proximity to water bodies. In order for scientists, policy makers, and citizens to make decisions regarding nutrient issues in Florida, it is important to first understand which markets contribute to Florida’s fertilizer consumption. This three-page fact sheet explains Florida’s fertilizer usage statistics. Written by T.W.Shaddox and published by the Environmental Horticulture Department.­http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep541


2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 433-444
Author(s):  
Amanuel Isak Tewolde

Many scholars and South African politicians characterize the widespread anti-foreigner sentiment and violence in South Africa as dislike against migrants and refugees of African origin which they named ‘Afro-phobia’. Drawing on online newspaper reports and academic sources, this paper rejects the Afro-phobia thesis and argues that other non-African migrants such as Asians (Pakistanis, Indians, Bangladeshis and Chinese) are also on the receiving end of xenophobia in post-apartheid South Africa. I contend that any ‘outsider’ (White, Asian or Black African) who lives and trades in South African townships and informal settlements is scapegoated and attacked. I term this phenomenon ‘colour-blind xenophobia’. By proposing this analytical framework and integrating two theoretical perspectives — proximity-based ‘Realistic Conflict Theory (RCT)’ and Neocosmos’ exclusivist citizenship model — I contend that xenophobia in South Africa targets those who are in close proximity to disadvantaged Black South Africans and who are deemed outsiders (e.g., Asian, African even White residents and traders) and reject arguments that describe xenophobia in South Africa as targeting Black African refugees and migrants.


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