Method for Visualizing Fractures Induced by Laboratory-Based Hydraulic Fracturing and Its Application to Shale Samples
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 deve...
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MDPI AG
2018-07-01
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| Series: | Energies |
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| Online Access: | http://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/11/8/1976 |
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| author | Youqing Chen Makoto Naoi Yuto Tomonaga Takashi Akai Hiroyuki Tanaka Sunao Takagi Tsuyoshi Ishida |
| author_facet | Youqing Chen Makoto Naoi Yuto Tomonaga Takashi Akai Hiroyuki Tanaka Sunao Takagi Tsuyoshi Ishida |
| author_sort | Youqing Chen |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | 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. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-11T22:52:01Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-a6b7b6e5aa4245f5862bea3fb815dadd |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1996-1073 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-11T22:52:01Z |
| publishDate | 2018-07-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Energies |
| spelling | doaj.art-a6b7b6e5aa4245f5862bea3fb815dadd2022-12-22T03:58:33ZengMDPI AGEnergies1996-10732018-07-01118197610.3390/en11081976en11081976Method for Visualizing Fractures Induced by Laboratory-Based Hydraulic Fracturing and Its Application to Shale SamplesYouqing Chen0Makoto Naoi1Yuto Tomonaga2Takashi Akai3Hiroyuki Tanaka4Sunao Takagi5Tsuyoshi Ishida6Graduate School of Energy Science, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, JapanGraduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto daigaku-katsura C-cluster, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8540, JapanGraduate School of Energy Science, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, JapanJapan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation, Toranomon Twin Building 2-10-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0001, JapanJapan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation, Toranomon Twin Building 2-10-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0001, JapanJapan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation, Toranomon Twin Building 2-10-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0001, JapanGraduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto daigaku-katsura C-cluster, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8540, JapanA 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.http://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/11/8/1976hydraulic fracturingshalefracture patternlaboratory testpolarization microscope observationvisualization |
| spellingShingle | Youqing Chen Makoto Naoi Yuto Tomonaga Takashi Akai Hiroyuki Tanaka Sunao Takagi Tsuyoshi Ishida Method for Visualizing Fractures Induced by Laboratory-Based Hydraulic Fracturing and Its Application to Shale Samples Energies hydraulic fracturing shale fracture pattern laboratory test polarization microscope observation visualization |
| title | Method for Visualizing Fractures Induced by Laboratory-Based Hydraulic Fracturing and Its Application to Shale Samples |
| title_full | Method for Visualizing Fractures Induced by Laboratory-Based Hydraulic Fracturing and Its Application to Shale Samples |
| title_fullStr | Method for Visualizing Fractures Induced by Laboratory-Based Hydraulic Fracturing and Its Application to Shale Samples |
| title_full_unstemmed | Method for Visualizing Fractures Induced by Laboratory-Based Hydraulic Fracturing and Its Application to Shale Samples |
| title_short | Method for Visualizing Fractures Induced by Laboratory-Based Hydraulic Fracturing and Its Application to Shale Samples |
| title_sort | method for visualizing fractures induced by laboratory based hydraulic fracturing and its application to shale samples |
| topic | hydraulic fracturing shale fracture pattern laboratory test polarization microscope observation visualization |
| url | http://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/11/8/1976 |
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