Large-Scale Migration Patterns of Wastewater-Induced Earthquakes in the Central U.S.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Johann ◽  
Serge A. Shapiro
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Hazard ◽  
Large Volume ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Fluid Pressure ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Strength Distribution ◽  
Correlation Technique ◽  
Induced Earthquakes ◽  
Injection Rates

<p>It is understood that the recent acceleration of seismic event occurrences in Kansas and Oklahoma, U.S., can be connected to the large-volume disposal of wastewater. These highly saline fluids are co-produced with oil and gas and are re-injected under gravity into the highly porous Arbuckle aquifer. Since 2015, injection rates have been decreasing. However, the seismic hazard in that region remains elevated. Furthermore, it has been noticed that some events in Kansas occur far from disposal wells.</p><p>To analyse spatio-temporal patterns between the fluid injection and earthquake locations, we applied a time-dependent 2D cross-correlation technique. This reveals a vectorial migration pattern of the seismic events. Whereas early events occur towards the east-sourtheast, later events are located preferably in northeastern direction of large volume injectors. With time, event locations migrate further in that direction. We explain this observation as well as measured Arbuckle pore pressures by a directional pore-fluid pressure diffusion and poroelastic stress propagation. This also follows from our principal two-dimension poroelastic finite element model which is of predictive power and identifies controlling parameters of the observations. These are mainly the permeability of the target injection formation and the seismogenic basement as well as the anisotropic permeability and the critical fault strength distribution. Our results lead to the conclusion that remote locations are destabilised also when injection rates are declining.</p><p>Thus, volume reductions may only provide a direct effect to lower earthquake rates locally. However, a state-wide decrease of the seismicity may require longer times such that the seismic hazard due to wastewater disposal induced seismicity may remain for decades. </p>

Understanding Vectorial Migration Patterns of Wastewater-Induced Earthquakes in the United States

2020 ◽  
Vol 110 (5) ◽  
pp. 2295-2307
Author(s):  
Lisa Johann ◽  
Serge A. Shapiro
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Waiting Times ◽  
Element Model ◽  
The United States ◽  
Correlation Technique ◽  
Induced Earthquakes ◽  
Pressure Diffusion ◽  
Central United States ◽  
Injection Rates

ABSTRACT The recent surge of earthquakes in the central United States is linked to the disposal of large volumes of wastewater. Even if injection rates have been decreasing since 2015, the seismic hazard remains elevated. Moreover, some events in Kansas occur far from disposal wells. We applied a multidimensional cross-correlation technique to analyze the spatiotemporal relation between fluid injection and earthquakes. While a strong correlation is observed in east-northeastern direction of the disposal wells for the majority of events, some earthquakes occur in northeastern direction far from the disposal wells. We explain this pattern and the large-scale evolution of borehole pressure observations by directional migration of poroelastic stresses and pore pressure diffusion. This follows from our principal 2D poroelastic finite-element model that has a predicting power and identifies controlling parameters of the process. These are the permeability of the basement and its anisotropic character as well as the distribution of critical fault strengths. Our results suggest that remote locations may be destabilized even when injection rates are declining. Thus, a volume reduction may only provide an immediate effect to lower the seismicity locally. It follows that a state-wide reduction in earthquakes may require longer waiting times and that the hazard of induced seismicity may remain elevated for tens of years.

scholarly journals Geologic characterization of nonconformities using outcrop and whole-rock core analogues: hydrologic implications for injection-induced seismicity

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth S. Petrie ◽  
Kelly K. Bradbury ◽  
Laura Cuccio ◽  
Kayla Smith ◽  
James P. Evans ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Fluid Pressure ◽  
The United States ◽  
Crystalline Rock ◽  
Rock Properties ◽  
Induced Earthquakes ◽  
Injection Wells ◽  
Alteration Minerals ◽  
Reactive Fluids ◽  
Physical And Chemical

Abstract. The occurrence of induced earthquakes in crystalline rocks kilometres from deep wastewater injection wells poses questions about the influence nonconformity contacts have on the downward and lateral transmission of pore fluid pressure and poroelastic stresses. We hypothesize that structural and mineralogical heterogeneities at the sedimentary-crystalline rock nonconformity control the degree to which fluids, fluid pressure, and associated poroelastic stresses are transmitted over long distances across and along the nonconformity boundary. We examined the spatial distribution of physical and chemical heterogeneities in outcrops and whole-rock core samples of the great nonconformity in the midcontinent of the United States, capturing a range of tectonic settings and rock properties that we use to characterize the degree of historical fluid communication and the potential for future communication. We identify three end-member nonconformity types that represent a range of properties that will influence direct fluid pressure transmission and poroelastic responses far from the injection site. These nonconformity types vary depending on whether the contact is sharp and minimally altered, or if it is dominated by phyllosilicates or secondary non-phyllosilicate mineralization. We expect the rock properties associated with the presence or absence of secondary non-phyllosilicate mineralization and phyllosilicates to either allow or inhibit fractures to cross the nonconformity, thus impacting the permeability of the nonconformity zone. Our observations provide geologic constraints for modelling fluid migration and the associated pressure communication and poroelastic effects at large-scale disposal projects by providing relevant subsurface properties and much needed data regarding common alteration minerals that may interact readily with brines or reactive fluids.

Prediction of Internal Pressure of Flexible Pipe

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiangqiang Shao ◽  
Ting Liu ◽  
Shuai Yuan ◽  
Peihua Han ◽  
Yong Bai
Keyword(s):  
Theoretical Model ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Virtual Work ◽  
Fluid Pressure ◽  
Oil And Gas Industry ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Petroleum Products ◽  
Burst Pressure ◽  
Flexible Pipe ◽  
Flexible Pipes

Abstract The flexible pipes are widely used in the oil and gas industry to transport petroleum products. The pipe might burst fails when a large internal fluid pressure acts on the pipe, and the consequences are disastrous. In order to ensure the security and reliability of flexible pipes in the application, the mechanical responses of the pipe subjected to high pressure loads should be carefully estimated. The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the burst pressure of the pipe. Based on the principle of virtual work, a theoretical model for stress and deformations of the pipe is established, which takes the material plasticity into consideration. In addition, a finite element model is developed by ABAQUS to verify the feasibility of the theoretical model. According to the verified model, it is efficient to predict the burst pressure and design its cross-section economically with its serving conditions.

scholarly journals Geologic characterization of nonconformities using outcrop and core analogs: hydrologic implications for injection-induced seismicity

Solid Earth ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 1803-1821
Author(s):  
Elizabeth S. Petrie ◽  
Kelly K. Bradbury ◽  
Laura Cuccio ◽  
Kayla Smith ◽  
James P. Evans ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Fluid Pressure ◽  
The United States ◽  
Crystalline Rock ◽  
Rock Properties ◽  
Type I ◽  
Induced Earthquakes ◽  
Injection Wells ◽  
Reactive Fluids ◽  
Physical And Chemical

Abstract. The occurrence of induced earthquakes in crystalline rocks kilometers from deep wastewater injection wells poses questions about the influence nonconformity contacts have on the downward and lateral transmission of pore-fluid pressure and poroelastic stresses. We hypothesize that structural and mineralogical heterogeneities at the sedimentary–crystalline rock nonconformity control the degree to which fluids, fluid pressure, and associated poroelastic stresses are transmitted over long distances across and along the nonconformity boundary. We examined the spatial distribution of physical and chemical heterogeneities in outcrops and core samples of the Great Unconformity in the midcontinent of the United States, capturing a range of tectonic settings and rock properties that we use to characterize the degree of past fluid communication and the potential for future communication. We identify three end-member nonconformity types that represent a range of properties that will influence direct fluid pressure transmission and poroelastic responses far from the injection site. These nonconformity types vary depending on whether the contact is sharp and minimally altered (Type 0), dominated by phyllosilicates (Type I), or secondary non-phyllosilicate mineralization (Type II). Our observations provide geologic constraints for modeling fluid migration and the associated pressure communication and poroelastic effects at large-scale disposal projects by providing relevant subsurface properties and much needed data regarding common alteration minerals that may interact readily with brines or reactive fluids.

Sealing Analysis of Cement Plug in Offshore Abandoned Wells

2020 ◽  
Vol 993 ◽  
pp. 1333-1340
Author(s):  
Geng Tang ◽  
Hui Yan ◽  
Jun Li ◽  
Xue Feng Song ◽  
Xin Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Fluid Pressure ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Gas Wells ◽  
Oil And Gas Wells ◽  
Dimensional Finite Element ◽  
Abandoned Wells ◽  
Three Dimensional Finite Element ◽  
Cement Plug

A three-dimensional finite element model of stratum-cement ring-casing-cement plug was established for the failure analysis of the cement plug seal in the abandoned oil and gas wells. The mechanical parameters, length, bottom fluid pressure and casing swaging length of the cement plug under non-uniform ground stress conditions were analyzed. The results showed that when the bottom of the cement plug was subjected to fluid pressure, the stress at the interface between the cement plug and the casing increased, and thereby the cement plug at the bottom and the cementation of the casing failed, resulting in a the decrease in the sealing performance of the cement plug, which may be sealed under fluid corrosion. As the modulus of elasticity and the radius of the cement plug increased, the cement plug stress and the cement failure length increased. As the cement plug length increased, the cement plug stress and the cement failure length decreased, while Poisson's ratio for the cement plug stress and the cement failure length increased. The increase of the bottom fluid pressure could increase the cement plug stress and the cementation failure length. In the abandoned well, where the casing was forged and then grinded after the casing was forged, the length of the casing milling increased, the plug stress of cement reduced. These findings can provide insightful potentials for the parameters of cement plugs when the cement plugs are closed in the offshore oil and gas wells.

Financial and Economic Support of Innovation Processes in the Russian Fuel and Energy Complex

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 77-85
Author(s):  
L. D. Kapranova ◽  
T. V. Pogodina
Keyword(s):  
Oil Recovery ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Innovative Development ◽  
Oil Reserves ◽  
Energy Complex ◽  
Innovation Activities ◽  
Substantial Investment ◽  
The Government

The subject of the research is the current state of the fuel and energy complex (FEC) that ensures generation of a significant part of the budget and the innovative development of the economy.The purpose of the research was to establish priority directions for the development of the FEC sectors based on a comprehensive analysis of their innovative and investment activities. The dynamics of investment in the fuel and energy sector are considered. It is noted that large-scale modernization of the fuel and energy complex requires substantial investment and support from the government. The results of the government programs of corporate innovative development are analyzed. The results of the research identified innovative development priorities in the power, oil, gas and coal sectors of the fuel and energy complex. The most promising areas of innovative development in the oil and gas sector are the technologies of enhanced oil recovery; the development of hard-to-recover oil reserves; the production of liquefied natural gas and its transportation. In the power sector, the prospective areas are activities aimed at improving the performance reliability of the national energy systems and the introduction of digital technologies. Based on the research findings, it is concluded that the innovation activities in the fuel and energy complex primarily include the development of new technologies, modernization of the FEC technical base; adoption of state-of-the-art methods of coal mining and oil recovery; creating favorable economic conditions for industrial extraction of hard-to-recover reserves; transition to carbon-free fuel sources and energy carriers that can reduce energy consumption and cost as well as reducing the negative FEC impact on the environment.

ASSESSMENT OF OIL WELL PRODUCTIVITY IN LOW-PERMEABILITY RESERVOIRS IN THE FIELDS OF EASTERN SIBERIA

2017 ◽  
pp. 30-36
Author(s):  
R. V. Urvantsev ◽  
S. E. Cheban
Keyword(s):  
Oil Recovery ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Oil Extraction ◽  
Low Permeability ◽  
Oil Well ◽  
Eastern Siberia ◽  
Development Costs ◽  
Traditional Fields ◽  
Low Permeability Reservoirs

The 21st century witnessed the development of the oil extraction industry in Russia due to the intensifica- tion of its production at the existing traditional fields of Western Siberia, the Volga region and other oil-extracting regions, and due discovering new oil and gas provinces. At that time the path to the development of fields in Eastern Siberia was already paved. The large-scale discoveries of a number of fields made here in the 70s-80s of the 20th century are only being developed now. The process of development itself is rather slow in view of a number of reasons. Create a problem of high cost value of oil extraction in the region. One of the major tasks is obtaining the maximum oil recovery factor while reducing the development costs. The carbonate layer lying within the Katangsky suite is low-permeability, and its inventories are categorised as hard to recover. Now, the object is at a stage of trial development,which foregrounds researches on selecting the effective methods of oil extraction.

scholarly journals Vibration characteristics of triple-gear-rotor system in compressed air energy storage under variable torque load

2021 ◽  
Vol 104 (1) ◽  
pp. 003685042098705
Author(s):  
Xinran Wang ◽  
Yangli Zhu ◽  
Wen Li ◽  
Dongxu Hu ◽  
Xuehui Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Rotor System ◽  
Dynamic Responses ◽  
System Response ◽  
Rotating Speed ◽  
Torque Load ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Two Stages

This paper focuses on the effects of the off-design operation of CAES on the dynamic characteristics of the triple-gear-rotor system. A finite element model of the system is set up with unbalanced excitations, torque load excitations, and backlash which lead to variations of tooth contact status. An experiment is carried out to verify the accuracy of the mathematical model. The results show that when the system is subjected to large-scale torque load lifting at a high rotating speed, it has two stages of relatively strong periodicity when the torque load is light, and of chaotic when the torque load is heavy, with the transition between the two states being relatively quick and violent. The analysis of the three-dimensional acceleration spectrum and the meshing force shows that the variation in the meshing state and the fluctuation of the meshing force is the basic reasons for the variation in the system response with the torque load. In addition, the three rotors in the triple-gear-rotor system studied show a strong similarity in the meshing states and meshing force fluctuations, which result in the similarity in the dynamic responses of the three rotors.

scholarly journals Spatiotemporal behavior of a large-scale landslide at Mt. Onnebetsu-dake, Japan, detected by three L-band SAR satellites

2020 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Youichiro Takada ◽  
George Motono
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Fluid Pressure ◽  
Surface Displacement ◽  
Length Change ◽  
Vertical Displacement ◽  
Phase Changes ◽  
Annual Rainfall ◽  
Spatiotemporal Behavior ◽  
Spatially Periodic ◽  
L Band

Abstract We applied differential InSAR analysis to the Shiretoko Peninsula, northeastern Hokkaido, Japan. All the interferograms of long temporal baseline (~ 3 years) processed from SAR data of three L-band satellites (JERS-1, ALOS, ALOS-2) commonly indicate remarkable phase changes due to the landslide movement at the southeastern flank of Mt. Onnebetsu-dake, a Quaternary stratovolcano. The area of interferometric phase change matches to known landslide morphologies. Judging from the timing of the SAR image acquisitions, this landslide has been moving at least from 1993 to the present. Successive interferograms of 1-year temporal baseline indicate the temporal fluctuation of the landslide velocity. Especially for the descending interferograms, the positive line-of-sight (LOS) length change, which indicates large subsidence relative to the horizontal movement, is observed in the upslope section of the landslide during 1993–1998, while the negative LOS change is observed in the middle and the downslope section after 2007 indicating less subsidence. The landslide activity culminates from 2014 to 2017: the eastward and the vertical displacement rates reach ~ 6 and ~ 2 cm/yr, respectively. Utilizing high spatial resolution of ALOS and ALOS-2 data, we investigated velocity distribution inside the landslide. During 2007–2010, the eastward component of surface displacement increases toward the east, implying that the landslide extends toward the east. During 2014–2017, the vertical displacement profile exhibits spatially periodic uplift and subsidence consistent with surface gradient, which indicates the ongoing deformation driven by gravitational force. Heavy rainfall associated with three typhoons in August 2016 might have brought about an increase in the landslide velocity, possibly due to elevated pore-fluid pressure within and/or at the base of the landslide material. Also, annual rainfall would be an important factor that prescribes the landslide velocity averaged over 3 years.

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