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Method for Visualizing Fractures Induced by Laboratory-Based Hydraulic Fracturing and Its Application to Shale Samples

Author

Listed:
  • Youqing Chen

    (Graduate School of Energy Science, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan)

  • Makoto Naoi

    (Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto daigaku-katsura C-cluster, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8540, Japan)

  • Yuto Tomonaga

    (Graduate School of Energy Science, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan)

  • Takashi Akai

    (Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation, Toranomon Twin Building 2-10-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0001, Japan)

  • Hiroyuki Tanaka

    (Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation, Toranomon Twin Building 2-10-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0001, Japan)

  • Sunao Takagi

    (Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation, Toranomon Twin Building 2-10-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0001, Japan)

  • Tsuyoshi Ishida

    (Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto daigaku-katsura C-cluster, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8540, Japan)

Abstract

A better understanding of the process of stimulation by hydraulic fracturing in shale gas and oil reservoirs is necessary for improving resource productivity. However, direct observation of hydraulically stimulated regions including induced fractures has been difficult. In the present study, we develop a new approach for directly visualizing regions of shale specimens impregnated by fluid during hydraulic fracturing. The proposed laboratory method uses a thermosetting resin mixed with a fluorescent substance as a fracturing fluid. After fracturing, the resin is fixed within the specimens by heating, and the cut sections are then observed under ultraviolet light. Based on brightness, we can then distinguish induced fractures and their surrounding regions impregnated by the fluid from other regions not reached by the fluid. Polarization microscope observation clearly reveals the detailed structures of tortuous or branched fractures on the micron scale and interactions between fractures and constituent minerals. The proposed experimental and observation method is useful for understanding the process of stimulation by hydraulic fracturing and its relationship with microscopic rock characteristics, which is important for fracturing design optimization in shale gas and oil resource development.

Suggested Citation

  • Youqing Chen & Makoto Naoi & Yuto Tomonaga & Takashi Akai & Hiroyuki Tanaka & Sunao Takagi & Tsuyoshi Ishida, 2018. "Method for Visualizing Fractures Induced by Laboratory-Based Hydraulic Fracturing and Its Application to Shale Samples," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(8), pages 1-14, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:11:y:2018:i:8:p:1976-:d:160791
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Minyue Zhou & Yifei Zhang & Runqing Zhou & Jin Hao & Jijin Yang, 2018. "Mechanical Property Measurements and Fracture Propagation Analysis of Longmaxi Shale by Micro-CT Uniaxial Compression," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-18, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Yi Feng & Gao Li & Yingfeng Meng & Boyun Guo, 2018. "A Novel Approach to Investigating Transport of Lost Circulation Materials in Rough Fracture," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(10), pages 1-19, September.

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