Patterns in complex hydraulic fractures observed by true-triaxial experiments and implications for proppant placement and stimulated reservoir volumes

• DOI: 10.1007/s13202-019-0681-2
• Publication Date: 2019-05-23T21:04:14Z
• Authors: Luke P. Frash; Jesse Hampton; Marte Gutierrez; Azra Tutuncu; J. William Carey; John Hood; Mehdi Mokhtari; Hai Huang; Earl Mattson
• Keywords: Complex fracture; Coalescence (physics); Traverse

Rocks are host to complex fracture networks that difficult locate in situ, and yet characterization of these fractures is crucial predicting the effects hydraulic stimulation. We analyze three-dimensional patterns among varied laboratory experiments identify recurring geometries. Building on constitutive tensile shear modes, we observe examples offset branching, traversing coalescence, smooth reorientation as relatively simple structures within networks. The evolution also referred stranding, revealed be a fundamentally process, which continued propagation can result coalescence. Fracture therefore, create an illusion unconnected, staggered, growth when viewed from single cross section; meanwhile, likely connected through common surface elsewhere. investigated at smaller scale, where similar observed. In field, hinder proppant settling, reduce open permeability, larger areas, lead increased stimulated reservoir volumes. A balance stimulation methods prevent this complexity some areas exploit it others could key improving recovery oil gas resources, geothermal energy efficiency, optimizing disposal waste water or CO2 via injection wells. Representation needed for accurate modeling predictions management.