Methods: A cohesive fracture model is adopted together with a discrete crack and without predetermined fracture path. The fracture is filled with interface elements which in the 2D case are quadrangular and triangular elements and in the 3D case are either tetrahedral or wedge elements. The Rankine criterion is used for fracture nucleation and advancement. In a 2D setting the fracture follows d...

Oilfield Review Autumn 2011: 23, no. 3. Copyright © 2011 Schlumberger. ClearFRAC and HiWAY are marks of Schlumberger. In 1947, Stanolind Oil & Gas performed the first experimental hydraulic fracturing treatment in the Hugoton field in southwestern Kansas, USA. Since then, E&P companies have employed this reservoir stimulation technique extensively to enhance or prolong well productivity. Indeed...

Abstract Hydraulic fracturing experiments with low-viscosity fluids, such as supercritical CO2, demonstrate the formation of complex fracture networks spread throughout rocks. To study influence viscosity fluids on hydraulic propagation, a hydromechanical-coupled cohesive zone model is proposed for simulation mechanical response rock grains boundary separation. This methodology considers synerg...

The development of most unconventional oil and gas resources relies upon subsurface injection of very large volumes of fluids, which can induce earthquakes by activating slip on a nearby fault. During the last 5 years, accelerated oilfield fluid injection has led to a sharp increase in the rate of earthquakes in some parts of North America. In the central United States, most induced seismicity ...

Hydraulic fracturing is a key technology for shale gas production. Activating the natural fracture (NF) system in reservoirs and forming complex network can greatly improve effect of fracturing. The mainly influenced by geological factors operational parameters reservoir. Effectively reforming reservoir under unfavourable conditions maximizing activation NFs substantially increase its reformed ...

The article discusses the recovery process of fracture system formation after hydraulic fracturing in a coal seam, based on conducted seismic studies using modern mathematical software packages. Model concepts fractures development under hydrodynamic impact rock mass are considered, which make it possible to assess nature propagation.

Hydraulic fracturing with constant fluid injection r a t e was numer ica l ly model led for a p a i r of rectangular longitudinal fractures intersecting a wellbore i n a n i m p e r m e a b l e rock m a s s , a n d numerical calculations have been performed to investigate the relations among the form of pressuretime curves, fracture opening/propagation behavior a n d permeabi l i ty of t h e me...

Advances in drilling technologies and production strategies such as horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing have significantly improved the production of natural gas by stimulating fluid flow from wells. Since 2008, these technological developments have spurred exponential growth of gas well drilling across the U.S. While the new drilling for shale gas and hydraulic fracturing technologies...

Hydraulic fracturing is commonly applied in the shale gas exploitation industry. However, mechanical mechanism of permeability under has so far been unclear. In this study, an analysis laboratory experiments on hydraulic fracture propagation and bedding plane reactivation presented. To investigate microcrack occurrence fracturing, several small slices were collected from surface scanned with a ...

In-situ remedial strategies that involve the injection of a remedial fluid offer much promise for cost-effectively treating groundwater contaminants such as chlorinated solvent compounds, nitrated explosives, and perchlorate. The successful implementation of many in-situ remediation projects is dependant on the ability to develop an efficient and effective system for the delivery of the necessa...