SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “FRACTURES”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 361 records · Page 20

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

DOE OSTI2017

CT scanning and flow measurements of shale fractures after multiple shearing events

A shearing apparatus was used in conjunction with a Hassler-style core holder to incrementally shear fractured shale cores while maintaining various confining pressures. Computed tomography scans were performed after each shearing event, and were used to obtain information on evolving fracture geometry. Fracture transmissivity was measured after each shearing event to understand the hydrodynamic response to the evolving fracture structure. The digital fracture volumes were used to perform laminar single phase flow simulations (local cubic law with a tapered plate correction model) to qualitatively examine small scale flow path variations within the altered fractures. Fractures were found to generally increase in aperture after several shear slip events, with corresponding transmissivity increases. Lower confining pressure resulted in a fracture more prone to episodic mechanical failure and sudden changes in transmissivity. Conversely, higher confining pressures resulted in a system where, after an initial setting of the fracture surfaces, changes to the fracture geometry and transmissivity occurred gradually. Flow paths within the fractures are largely controlled by the location and evolution of zero aperture locations. Lastly, a reduction in the number of primary flow pathways through the fracture, and an increase in their width, was observed during all shearing tests.

04 OIL SHALES AND TAR SANDS↗

DOE OSTI2014

Applications of fractured continuum model to enhanced geothermal system heat extraction problems

This paper describes the applications of the fractured continuum model to the different enhanced geothermal systems reservoir conditions. The capability of the fractured continuum model to generate fracture characteristics expected in enhanced geothermal systems reservoir environments are demonstrated for single and multiple sets of fractures. Fracture characteristics are defined by fracture strike, dip, spacing, and aperture. The paper demonstrates how the fractured continuum model can be extended to represent continuous fractured features, such as long fractures, and the conditions in which the fracture density varies within the different depth intervals. Simulations of heat transport using different fracture settings were compared with regard to their heat extraction effectiveness. The best heat extraction was obtained in the case when fractures were horizontal. A conventional heat extraction scheme with vertical wells was compared to an alternative scheme with horizontal wells. The heat extraction with the horizontal wells was significantly better than with the vertical

Anisotropic permeability↗

DOE OSTI2017

Advanced Analysis of Hydraulic Fracture Propagation and Efficiency Using Natural Gas as an Alternative to Water

Over the past years, new technologies have been presented as an alternative to minimize or eliminate the use of water in hydraulic fracturing for unconventional reservoirs, improve resource recovery, cost management and reduce environmental impact. As part of these technologies, energized fluids have been developed to mitigate the environmental impact caused by the application of large volumes of water during hydraulic fracturing. When a fracture is energized, the amount of water pumped during the fracturing process is reduced or eliminated by adding a gas component to the fracturing fluid. The less water that is pumped, the less damage it will create. A new technology called “Energized Natural Gas (ENG)” has recently been proposed for effective hydraulic fracturing in unconventional reservoirs. The ENG process shows that it may be a viable solution for the oil and gas industry. Due to the complexity of multiphase fluid behavior and fracture mechanics, further research and documentation is required to effectively apply gas and gas-water mixtures as a treatment fluid. The objective of this research is to further develop and demonstrate the use of natural gas as an optimum fracturing fluid for tight shale gas formations. GeoMechanics Technologies proposes to complete advanced analyses of hydraulic fracture propagation efficiency using natural gas as an alternative to water. A comprehensive review on the transport properties of gas and water mixtures was performed to investigate the rheology differences of conventionally-used fresh water and the natural gas mixture. This research helped to determine how rheology affects hydraulic fracturing. Then we developed a coupled 3D geomechanical model and fluid flow model to simulate hydraulic fracturing using various mixtures of natural gas and water to determine an effective combination. Gas production was also simulated to further test the effectiveness of the induced fracture. Finally, the technical and economic feasibility of this novel technology was considered and documented.

02 PETROLEUM↗

DOE OSTI2018

Simulating the Effect of Fracture Connectivity on Repository Performance with GDSA Framework - 18589

This work examines the possible migration of radionuclides from a deep geologic nuclear waste repository sited in fractured crystalline host rock. The key safety concern is the potential effect on waste isolation of the inter-connectivity of the fracture network, which is primarily established by the temporal evolution of the temperature and stress fields at the time of original rock intrusion and cooling. Two end members are considered in these simulations, one with a high degree of connectivity to the biosphere, such that advective transport through the fracture and fault network controls radionuclide migration, and the other with a low degree of connectivity, such that slow diffusive transport through the crystalline rock matrix is the controlling process for radionuclide migration to the biosphere. Both end members have several areally extensive, high-transmissivity deformation zones, whose distance to the repository is an important factor for waste isolation capability. Uncertainties in fracture properties (transmissivity, orientation, radius) and fracture distribution also give rise to uncertainty in waste isolation capability (i.e., the overall connectivity of the repository with the surface biosphere). These types of natural system uncertainties are generally present in any geologic site-characterization program and thus represent an important factor in assessing repository performance in hard rock environments. The waste considered in these simulations are spent fuel rod assemblies from the U.S. commercial nuclear reactor fleet. Thermal output of the waste must be considered in the simulations and can influence the rate and timing of waste package failure, waste form degradation, and fluid flux due to thermal expansion around the repository horizon. To achieve a high-fidelity representation of radionuclide transport in fractures and rock matrix, combined with thermal energy transport and fluid flow in fractures and matrix, the mathematical model is solved numerically in a parallel high-performance computing (HPC) environment on a finite volume unstructured grid consisting of approximately 5 million cells, using Geologic Disposal Safety Assessment (GDSA) Framework (https://pa.sandia.gov), an open-source performance assessment tool for deep underground disposal of nuclear waste. GDSA Framework uses PFLOTRAN to solve the balance equations on a three-dimensional grid with heterogeneous properties, using multiple processors in a parallel configuration based on domain decomposition. The fracture networks in these simulations are originally generated as discrete fracture networks (DFNs), which are sets of two-dimensional planes distributed in a three-dimensional domain. The method used in GDSA Framework maps the stochastically generated DFN to an equivalent continuous porous medium (ECPM) domain that allows for the simulation of coupled heat flow, fluid flow, and radionuclide transport, including heat conduction through the matrix of the fractured rock, which is a process not easily modeled in a DFN representation. Computational efficiency is also greatly enhanced using the ECPM method, allowing for a realistic representation and analysis of uncertainties in a multi-realization performance assessment of a deep geologic repository. The effect of fracture connectivity on the waste isolation safety function, as brought to light by these GDSA Framework simulations, points to the importance of including a realistic representation of uncertainties in fracture properties and distribution (effectively, uncertainty in spatial heterogeneity) in repository safety assessment simulations. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

DOE OSTI2012

Are Carotid Stent Fractures Clinically Significant?

Purpose: Late stent fatigue is a known complication after carotid artery stenting (CAS) for cervical carotid occlusive disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and clinical significance of carotid stent fractures. Materials and Methods: A single-center retrospective review of 253 carotid bifurcation lesions treated with CAS and mechanical embolic protection from April 2001 to December 2009 was performed. Stent integrity was analyzed by two independent observers using multiplanar cervical plain radiographs with fractures classified into the following types: type I = single strut fracture; type II = multiple strut fractures; type III = transverse fracture; and type IV = transverse fracture with dislocation. Mean follow-up was 32 months. Results: Follow-up imaging was completed on 106 self-expanding nitinol stents (26 closed-cell and 80 open-cell stents). Eight fractures (7.5%) were detected (type I n = 1, type II n = 6, and type III n = 1). Seven fractures were found in open-cell stents (Precise n = 3, ViVEXX n = 2, and Acculink n = 2), and 1 fracture was found in a closed-cell stent (Xact n = 1) (p = 0.67). Only a previous history of external beam neck irradiation was associated with fractures (p = 0.048). No associated clinical sequelae were observed among the patients with fractures, and only 1 patient had an associated significant restenosis ({>=}80%) requiring reintervention. Conclusions: Late stent fatigue after CAS is an uncommon event and rarely clinically relevant. Although cell design does not appear to influence the occurrence of fractures, lesion characteristics may be associated risk factors.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

DOE OSTI2013

Development of the T+M coupled flow–geomechanical simulator to describe fracture propagation and coupled flow–thermal–geomechanical processes in tight/shale gas systems

We developed a hydraulic fracturing simulator by coupling a flow simulator to a geomechanics code, namely T+M simulator. Modeling of the vertical fracture development involves continuous updating of the boundary conditions and of the data connectivity, based on the finite element method for geomechanics. The T+M simulator can model the initial fracture development during the hydraulic fracturing operations, after which the domain description changes from single continuum to double or multiple continua in order to rigorously model both flow and geomechanics for fracture-rock matrix systems. The T+H simulator provides two-way coupling between fluid-heat flow and geomechanics, accounting for thermoporomechanics, treats nonlinear permeability and geomechanical moduli explicitly, and dynamically tracks changes in the fracture(s) and in the pore volume. We also fully accounts for leak-off in all directions during hydraulic fracturing. We first validate the T+M simulator, matching numerical solutions with the analytical solutions for poromechanical effects, static fractures, and fracture propagations. Then, from numerical simulation of various cases of the planar fracture propagation, shear failure can limit the vertical fracture propagation of tensile failure, because of leak-off into the reservoirs. Slow injection causes more leak-off, compared with fast injection, when the same amount of fluid is injected. Changes in initial total stress and contributions of shear effective stress to tensile failure can also affect formation of the fractured areas, and the geomechanical responses are still well-posed.

02 PETROLEUM↗

DOE OSTI2024

Stochastic reconstruction of fracture network pattern using spatial point processes

Fracture spatial patterns can strongly affect fluid flow in the subsurface. Proximity and distribution of fractures control reservoir flow behavior over various length scales. In many studies, however, simplified geometrical patterns are generated for fractures which may lead to unrealistic subsurface models. Here we introduce a new method for characterization and modeling of fracture spatial patterns based on outcrop observations. We use Ripley's K-function to characterize the arrangement of fracture barycenters and intersection points over various length scales. In addition, we use semivariograms to quantify spatial correlation in fracture intensity maps. Using this information, we develop a stochastic algorithm that generates two-dimensional fracture network realizations with spatial properties similar to those of a real fracture network measured in the field. Numerical simulation models indicate that the generated fracture realizations exhibit similar flow behaviors as that of the original fracture network. Furthermore, such modeling tools expand and improve our capability in building representative fracture models and in quantification of uncertainty in naturally and hydraulically fractured reservoirs.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2015

Study of seismic diffractions caused by a fracture zone at In Salah carbon dioxide storage project

The In Salah CO 2 storage project in Algeria has injected over 3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide into a water filled tight sand formation. Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) range change data revealed a double lobbed pattern of deformation that has been modeled as the opening of a sub-vertical fracture, or damage, zone. The location and geometry of the linear feature were subsequently verified using a seismic reflection survey. The elastic properties of the fracture zone, including anisotropic Poisson ratio ( ν ), Young's ( E ) and shear ( G ) moduli, were estimated from coupled geomechanical and hydrological modeling of surface deformation and pressure variations in the injection well. The elastic moduli reflect the fracture properties after CO 2 flow through the fracture zone. Thus, the seismic signature of the fracture zone could be used for monitoring the CO 2 plume. Using the estimated fracture model, we built two and three dimensional models consisting of an anisotropic fracture zone embedded within an isotropic background. Finite-difference modeling of seismic shot gathers allows us to estimate the effects of scattering from the fracture zone, potentially further constraining the geomechanical model. From the seismic modeling results, we find diffracted waves, induced by the fracture zone, which behave similar to point source diffractions. This modeling is intended to guide a search for diffraction events in the 3D surface seismic field data. The modeling results indicate that using the moduli estimated from geomechanical modeling, fracture scattered events would be 100 times lower amplitude than the interface reflections, and thus would be hard to detect. While diffracted waves are observed in the field data, which may imply the need for revision of the fracture model, including shape and elastic moduli, we are not able to match the field observation with our modeled events. This article presents a frontier study on the integration of geomechanical and geophysical methods at the In Salah site as a means to test the estimate of the subsurface CO 2 flooded fracture properties.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2017

Experimental investigation of injection-induced fracturing during supercritical CO 2 sequestration

Leakage risk assessment is an inevitable procedure in permanent sequestration and storage of CO 2 in deep saline aquifers and depleted oil and gas reservoirs, where the integrity of caprock is most critical. Here, low porosity and low permeability concrete cubes were employed as caprock analogs to investigate the supercritical CO 2 injection-induced fracturing processes under true tri-axial stress conditions. A systematic experimental procedure, consisting of active acoustic emission measurement, pressure decay, injection pressure and temperature monitoring, fracture coloring, and gas fracturing, is formulated to qualitatively and quantitatively characterize the injection-induced fracturing processes and fracture morphology. Occurrence of injection-induced fracturing can be directly identified from peaks of borehole pressure profiles as well as sharp drops on temperature profiles due to CO 2 expansion, but generally there was no fracture propagation plateau appearing for the 20 cm rock cubes with zero pore pressure. Acoustic wave signatures, including both waveform change and arrival time delay, can effectively capture the extension of induced fractures inside the opaque rock. Initiation and propagation of supercritical CO 2 injection-induced fractures are highly dominated by the tri-axial stresses, following the general trend of continuum mechanics at high stress levels with large stress difference. As the stress difference decreases, induced fractures branch off in relatively arbitrary directions. For these supercritical CO 2 injection-induced fracturing experiments, poroelastic mechanics model makes a decent fit with the measured breakdown pressure of the caprock analogs. Findings in this study are valuable for risk analysis and operation optimization of geological CO 2 sequestration and storage as well as for CO 2 fracturing design and implementation in shale and tight reservoirs.

42 ENGINEERING↗

DOE OSTI2015

A study of changes in deep fractured rock permeability due to coupled hydro-mechanical effects

This paper presents a numerical study of the hydro-mechanical behaviour of a fractured rock domain at 1000. m depth below the land surface as a function of different levels of fluid pore pressure. A 2D fractured rock domain is adopted based on data obtained from outcrop mapping, displaying multiple fracture sets, fracture intersections, dead-end and curved fractures. A continuum based numerical model is used to evaluate the effects of compressive boundary stresses, cracking by tension failure in the intact rock and fractures and shear displacement along fractures on its equivalent permeability. Two in situ stress boundary conditions are considered: an isotropic case SR1 with the two horizontal boundary compressive stresses having the same magnitude, and an anisotropic case SR2 with the ratio between these compressive stress components set to be 2. In the SR2 case, changes in the local stress and stress ratio distributions due to different fluid pore pressure levels are anisotropic and more significant than in the SR1 case, because of tension failures in the intact rock forming bridges between fractures. These failure regions opened new flow connections between fractures and thereby caused important anisotropic changes in the flow paths, and significant decrease in local gradients of fluid pore pressure. The equivalent permeability increases sharply when the fluid pore pressure is approximately 90% of the magnitude of the minimum stress at the boundaries of the fractured rock domain. Results show that the equivalent permeability of the fractured rock domain is most sensitive to the fractures normal stiffness, the permeability of the tension failure regions and the power-law exponent for permeability change.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2011

Identification of modes of fracture in a 2618-T6 aluminum alloy using stereophotogrammetry

The identification and the development of a quantification technique of the modes of fracture in fatigue fracture surfaces of a 2618-T6 aluminum alloy were developed during this research. Fatigue tests at room and high temperature (230 Degree-Sign C) were carried out to be able to compare the microscopic fractographic features developed by this material under these testing conditions. The overall observations by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the fracture surfaces showed a mixture of transgranular and ductile intergranular fracture. The ductile intergranular fracture contribution appears to be more significant at room temperature than at 230 Degree-Sign C. A quantitative methodology was developed to identify and to measure the contribution of these microscopic fractographic features. The technique consisted of a combination of stereophotogrammetry and image analysis. Stereo-pairs were randomly taken along the crack paths and were then analyzed using the profile module of MeX software. The analysis involved the 3-D surface reconstruction, the trace of primary profile lines in both vertical and horizontal directions within the stereo-pair area, the measurements of the contribution of the modes of fracture in each profile, and finally, the calculation of the average contribution in each stereo-pair. The technique results confirmed a higher contribution of ductile intergranular fracture at room temperature than at 230 Degree-Sign C. Moreover, there was no indication of a direct relationship between this contribution and the strain amplitudes range applied during the fatigue testing. - Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Stereophotogrammetry and image analysis as a measuring tool of modes of fracture in fatigue fracture surfaces. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer A mixture of ductile intergranular and transgranular fracture was identified at room temperature and 230 Degree-Sign C testing. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Development of a quantitative methodology to obtain the percentage of modes of fracture within the fracture surface.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2017

P-wave velocity anisotropy related to sealed fractures reactivation tracing the structural diagenesis in carbonates

Fracture properties are important in carbonate reservoir characterization, as they are responsible for a large part of the fluid transfer properties at all scales. It is especially true in tight rocks where the matrix transfer properties only slightly contribute to the fluid flow. Open fractures are known to strongly affect seismic velocities, amplitudes and anisotropy. Here, we explore the impact of fracture evolution on the geophysical signature and directional V p anisotropy of fractured carbonates through diagenesis. For that purpose, we studied a meter-scale, parallelepiped quarry block of limestone using a detailed structural and diagenetic characterization, and numerous V p measurements. The block is affected by two en-échelon fracture clusters, both being formed in opening mode (mode 1) and cemented, but only one being reactivated in shear. We compared the diagenetic evolution of the fractures, which are almost all 100% filled with successive calcite cements, with the P-wave velocities measured across this meter-scale block of carbonate, which recorded the tectonic and diagenetic changes of a South Provence sedimentary basin. We found that a directional V p anisotropy magnitude as high as 8–16% correlates with the reactivated fractures’ cluster dip angle, which is explained by the complex filling sequence and softer material present inside the fractures that have been reactivated during the basin's tectonic inversion. We show that although a late karstification phase preferentially affected these reactivated fractures, it only amplified the pre-existing anisotropy due to tectonic shear. We conclude that V p anisotropy measurements may help to identify the fracture sealing/opening processes associated with polyphased tectonic history, the anisotropy being independent of the current stress-state. Finally, this case shows that velocity anisotropies induced by fractures resulted here from a cause that is different from how these features have often been interpreted: selective reactivation of sealed fractures clusters rather than direction of currently open ones.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2021

Subsurface Characterization of Hydraulic Fracture Test Site-2 (HFTS-2), Delaware Basin

Hydraulic Fracturing Test Site-2 (HFTS-2) is a field-based research experiment performed in the Wolfcamp Formation of the Permian (Delaware) Basin. This paper focuses on integration, advanced geological characterization, and 3D subsurface modeling of the comprehensive HFTS-2 dataset. The study showcases a multidisciplinary reservoir characterization approach that incorporates geology, petrophysics, geochemistry, geomechanics, microseismic, and subsurface engineering analysis. Subsurface characterization of organic-rich mudstone formations requires understanding complex hydraulic fracture network growth in relation to inherent lithology, geomechanical properties, and interaction with pre-existing natural fractures. This paper presents a characterization workflow incorporating pre- and post-stimulation subsurface data, unique to the HFTS-2 dataset. The study integrated: (1) rock properties from logs, cores, and thin sections; (2) natural and hydraulic fracture descriptions from cores and image logs; (3) local and regional stresses; (4) geomechanics; (5) microseismic; (6) fiber optic (FO) and bottomhole pressure gauge (BHPG) response; and (7) produced fluids analysis. During a stimulation treatment, creation of the stimulated rock volume (SRV) is influenced by several subsurface factors. Key contributing factors include structural context, stress conditions, lithology, facies architecture, pre-existing natural fractures, and geomechanical properties. The HFTS-2 subsurface data integration indicates that the SRV is comprised of a complex juxtaposition of hydraulic fracture swarms, as evidenced by image logs analysis, core description, and microseismic monitoring. The HFTS-2 microseismic event density was used to generate 3D heat maps that serve as a representative SRV footprint, corroborated by secondary datasets. These maps were further integrated with petrophysical and geomechanical characteristics, as well as responses from FO and BHPG, to estimate the lateral and vertical dimensions of the effective fractures. The geological characterization for the HFTS-2 dataset combined with 3D modeling for petrophysical and geomechanical properties provides a strong foundation for subsurface simulation and optimization studies. Downloaded from http://onepetro.org/URTECONF/proceedings-pdf/21URTC/1-21URTC/D011S005R001/2477501/urtec-2021-5243-ms.pdf/1 by Carol Worster on 28 February 2022 URTeC 5243 The workflow improved our understanding of HFTS-2 hydraulic fracture propagation and characteristics in relation to offset pressure depletion and interaction with pre-existing natural fractures. Analysis showed that fracture geometry varies by stage and by well, and a complex fracture network is generated with varying fracture density. The multidisciplinary workflow presented herein for integration and characterization serves as a foundation to evaluate completion efficiency and estimate areal and vertical stimulation and depletion extent for the project. Furthermore, the workflow and learnings can also be transferred to other unconventional plays.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Increased Rates of Hip and Spine Fractures in Astronauts are Associated with Longer Spaceflight Durations

Given the accelerated declines in bone mineral density reported in US astronauts serving on the International Space Station, there is a possibility that a prolonged exposure to spaceflight could put astronauts at increased fracture risk during subsequent planetary explorations or after return to Earth. To date, there have been no fractures in astronauts during spaceflight. Recently-reported data from a flight study suggested that intake of the bisphosphonate alendronate combined with resistive exercise (on the Advanced Resistive Exercise Device – ARED) preserved more astronauts at their preflight skeletal status after a ~6-mos spaceflight than with ARED exercise alone. However, there is low acceptance of alendronate, or the recommended zoledronic acid, to suppress in-flight bone loss largely due to concern for unintended medication side effects and a perceived absence of astronaut fractures that can be directly attributable to spaceflight exposure. Hence, a recent survey of all astronaut fractures was analyzed to assess whether the rate of postflight fractures could be associated with extended spaceflight exposures. The fracture survey was of 262 astronauts across 8433.6 person-years (PY) and grouped according to previous exposure to a “Long Duration (LD)” spaceflight (3 mos or greater, but typically 6-mos). The number of fractures was modeled using count regression adjusting for i) the repeated measures within individuals across the groups, ii) the differing length of surveillance for each individual and iii) age at start of surveillance for each of the groups. Astronaut Group by Spaceflight Exposure #Individuals PY Covered No Exposure to Spaceflight 262 1882.7 No Exposure to LD spaceflight “Non-LD” 232 6121.3 Exposure to LD spaceflight 42 429.6 Analysis revealed an increased rate of hip and spine fractures for surveillance periods compared between LD Exposure and Non-LD Exposure: Hip – Relative Rate: 3.4 (95%CI: 1.0, 12.0); Spine– Relative Rate: 3.4 (95%CI: 1.0, 11.6). For all other skeletal sites, rates of fracture were similar for LD and Non-LD exposures. Data comparisons were conducted between groups of astronauts to preclude the interpretation of greater physical activity in astronauts as a contributing factor to fracture rates. This analysis of fracture data is the first report associating postflight hip and spine fractures in astronauts with exposure to extended duration spaceflights. Further analyses integrating co-morbidities for bone loss are planned.

skeleton↗

DOE OSTI2025

Inferring fracture dilation and shear slip from surface deformation utilising trained surrogate models

An important task in energy and CO 2 storage (sequestration) in the subsurface is to verify that the surrounding fractures and faults are not activated, acting as leakage pathways. This is achievable through effective and efficient Measurement, Monitoring and Verification (MMV) plans. In this work, two surrogate models are trained to captures dilation (opening) and shear deformation of fractures, and the associated surface deformation. The trained surrogate model, based on conditional Generative-Adversarial Networks (cGAN) receives fracture apertures from dilational fractures together with fracture slips from shear fractures and predicts the combined surface deformation. An inversion algorithm based on Bayesian framework is proposed to identify the geometry of both types of fractures, as well as volume of dilational fractures and deformation moment induced by shear fractures, all from the measured surface deformation data. The inversion algorithm utilises the Differential Evolution (DE) optimisation technique that has the superior performance in finding the global minimum of cost function. The proposed surrogate-assisted inversion successfully inferred the unknown dip, dip direction and the volume of the dilational fractures as well as the induced deformation moment in shear fractures. The model was further tested for the inversion of a field hydraulic fracturing tilt dataset applying different scenarios with varying unknowns to show the model's performance, as well as incorporating shear deformation for better match with the observed data.

Dilation and shear↗

DOE OSTI2018

Integrated simulation of vertical fracture propagation induced by water injection and its borehole electromagnetic responses in shale gas systems

We analyze fracture propagation induced by hydraulic fracturing with water injection and examine their detectability with crosswell electromagnetic (EM) geophysical methods. For rigorous 3D coupled flow-geomechanical modeling, we employ a numerical method that can model failure by tensile and shear stresses, dynamic nonlinear permeability, dual continuum approach, and thermo-poro-mechanical effects. From numerical simulation, we find that the fracture propagation is not the same as propagation of the water front, because fracturing is governed by geomechanics whereas water saturation is determined by multiphase flow. At early times, the water front is almost identical to the fracture tip, suggesting that the fracture is mostly filled with the injected water. However, at late times, movement of the water front is retarded compared to fracture propagation, yielding a significant gap between the water front and the fracture top, filled with reservoir gas. During fracture propagation, the coupled flow-geomechanical models are transformed via a rock-physics model into electrical conductivity models. We employ a full 3D finite-element EM geophysical simulator to evaluate the sensitivity of the crosswell EM method to fracture propagation. It is shown that anomalous distribution of electrical conductivity is closely related to the injected water saturation, but not closely related to newly created unsaturated fractures. Our numerical modeling experiments demonstrate that the crosswell EM method can be highly sensitive to electrical conductivity changes that directly indicate the migration pathways of the injected fluid. Accordingly, the EM method can serve as an effective monitoring tool for monitoring the injected fluids during hydraulic fracturing operations.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2019

Effects of hydration on fractures and shale permeability under different confining pressures: An experimental study

Water-rich fracturing fluids are injected into gas shale formations to promote the effective development of gas. However, the relationship between gas production decreases and the variability flow-back fluid behavior (rate and amount) remains a significant challenge to the industry. This study focused on the effects of water hydration on the rock fracture properties of a major gas shale formation in China. Shale from hydration experiments was characterized for a number of key parameters including length, volume, width, surface area, thickness and fracture frequency. X-ray computed tomography (CT) scanning was conducted on shale reservoir samples exposed to water at zero overburden stress and under three different confining pressures (725 psi, 2175 psi, and 2900 psi). CT scanning images were obtained to evaluate fracture evolutions during hydration for both the connected and unconnected fracture networks. In addition, permeabilities before and after hydration were also quantified. Results from the ambient condition experiment revealed the propagation of fractures, the formation of new fractures, and the formation of better connectivity caused by a more complicated fracture network. However, the fracture evolution of the other three samples under confining pressures are markedly different, including: more unconnected fracture networks, less fracture volume, and a poorer connectivity of fractures.

bio-inspired, mechanical behavior, carbon sequestr↗

DOE OSTI2018

Impacts of Glutaraldehyde on Microbial Community Structure and Degradation Potential in Streams Impacted by Hydraulic Fracturing

The environmental impacts of hydraulic fracturing, particularly those of surface spills in aquatic ecosystems, are not fully understood. The goals of this study were to (1) understand the effect of previous exposure to hydraulic fracturing fluids on aquatic microbial community structure and (2) examine the impacts exposure has on biodegradation potential of the biocide glutaraldehyde. Microcosms were constructed from hydraulic fracturing-impacted and nonhydraulic fracturing-impacted streamwater within the Marcellus shale region in Pennsylvania. Microcosms were amended with glutaraldehyde and incubated aerobically for 56 days. Microbial community adaptation to glutaraldehyde was monitored using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and quantification by qPCR. Abiotic and biotic glutaraldehyde degradation was measured using ultra-performance liquid chromatography--high resolution mass spectrometry and total organic carbon. It was found that nonhydraulic fracturing-impacted microcosms biodegraded glutaraldehyde faster than the hydraulic fracturing-impacted microcosms, showing a decrease in degradation potential after exposure to hydraulic fracturing activity. Hydraulic fracturing-impacted microcosms showed higher richness after glutaraldehyde exposure compared to unimpacted streams, indicating an increased tolerance to glutaraldehyde in hydraulic fracturing impacted streams. Beta diversity and differential abundance analysis of sequence count data showed different bacterial enrichment for hydraulic fracturing-impacted and nonhydraulic fracturing-impacted microcosms after glutaraldehyde addition. These findings demonstrated a lasting effect on microbial community structure and glutaraldehyde degradation potential in streams impacted by hydraulic fracturing operations.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗