Stress-Dependent Permeability of Naturally Micro-Fractured Shale

The permeability characteristics of natural fracture systems are crucial to the production potential shale gas wells. To investigate behavior a regional fault that is located within Wufeng Formation, China, samples with micro-fractures was measured at different confining pressures and complemented helium pycnometry for porosity, computed micro-tomographic (µCT) imaging, comparison well testing data. cores originated from (HD-1) drilled Huayingshan anticline in eastern Sichuan Basin. Klinkenberg permeabilities range between 0.059 5.9 mD, which roughly agrees (0.96 mD) as estimated HD-1 productivity An extrapolation reservoir combination µCT images shows stress sensitivity closely correlated micro-fracture distribution orientation. Here, predominantly oriented along flow direction least sensitive. This implies tectonic zones large fluid gradient can define favorable areas exploitation, potentially even without requirements hydraulic treatments.