Flow–Solid Coupled Analysis of Shale Gas Production Influenced by Fracture Roughness Evolution in Supercritical CO 2 –Slickwater Systems

Xiang Ao (), Yuxi Rao, Honglian Li, Beijun Song and Peng Li
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Xiang Ao: Chongqing Key Laboratory of Complex Oil and Gas Field Exploration & Development, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China
Yuxi Rao: Chongqing Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Exploitation, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China
Honglian Li: Departament de Física de la Matèria Condensada, Facultat de Física, Universitat de Barcelona, Martí i Franquès 1, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
Beijun Song: Shale Gas Exploration and Development Co., Ltd., SINOPEC, Chongqing 408014, China
Peng Li: Shale Gas Exploration and Development Co., Ltd., SINOPEC, Chongqing 408014, China

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 21, 1-23

Abstract: With the increasing global demand for energy, the development of unconventional resources has become a focal point of research. Among these, shale gas has drawn considerable attention due to its abundant reserves. However, its low permeability and complex fracture networks present substantial challenges. This study investigates the composite fracturing technology combining supercritical CO 2 and slickwater for shale gas extraction, elucidating the mechanisms by which it influences shale fracture roughness and conductivity through an integrated approach of theory, experiments, and numerical modeling. Experimental results demonstrate that the surface roughness of shale fractures increases markedly after supercritical CO 2 –slickwater treatment. Moreover, the dynamic evolution of permeability and porosity is governed by roughness strain, adsorption expansion, and corrosion compression strain. Based on fluid–solid coupling theory, a mathematical model was developed and validated via numerical simulations. Sensitivity analysis reveals that fracture density and permeability have a pronounced impact on shale gas field productivity, whereas fracture dip angle exerts a comparatively minor effect. The findings provide a theoretical basis for optimizing composite fracturing technology, thereby enhancing shale gas extraction efficiency and promoting effective resource utilization.

Keywords: supercritical CO 2; slickwater; shale fracture; coupled flow–solid model; sensitivity analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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