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

Youqing Chen, Makoto Naoi, Yuto Tomonaga, Takashi Akai, Hiroyuki Tanaka, Sunao Takagi and Tsuyoshi Ishida
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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

Energies, 2018, vol. 11, issue 8, 1-14

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.

Keywords: hydraulic fracturing; shale; fracture pattern; laboratory test; polarization microscope observation; visualization (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: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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