Mitigation of injection-induced seismicity on undrained faults in granite using cyclic fluid injection: A laboratory study

Cyclic fluid injection has been demonstrated as a plausibly effective and controllable strategy to mitigate the seismic risks during hydraulic stimulation. The mechanism involved remains largely unconstrained, our ability control activation of critically stressed, locally undrained faults is still limited. Injection-induced these can be one most threatening scenarios they likely perturb stability nearby beyond stimulation volume. Here, we perform series laboratory tests on in low-permeability granite offer insights into cyclic possible solution for risk mitigation. Our results show that promotes pressure diffusion faults, but reduction moment release depends several cycle-related factors, such critical frequency. Particularly, could inefficient if very close predicted at fault failure, or over-reduced cause excess long-term frictional healing. A proper design parameters thus essential balance energy budget between energy. study reveals effectiveness also dependent drainage conditions, requirements, well dynamic responses faulted reservoirs, which guide future development injection.