Enhancing Water Management in Shale Gas Extraction through Rectangular Pulse Hydraulic Fracturing

Mohammed Ali Badjadi, Hanhua Zhu (), Cunquan Zhang and Muhammad Hamza Naseem ()
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Mohammed Ali Badjadi: School of Ocean & Energy Power Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430063, China
Hanhua Zhu: School of Transportation and Logistics Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430063, China
Cunquan Zhang: School of Transportation and Logistics Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430063, China
Muhammad Hamza Naseem: School of Transportation and Logistics Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430063, China

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 14, 1-19

Abstract: Although conventional hydraulic fracturing techniques have revolutionized shale gas development, they have raised concerns regarding water management and environmental impacts. This research introduces an innovative step-rectangular pulse hydraulic fracturing method to optimize water usage and reduce environmental hazards in shale gas extraction. The method involves the application of lower-energy fluid in a step-rectangular pulse pattern, which results in higher pressures, more intricate fractures, and improved water management. A comprehensive analysis of the propagation and attenuation characteristics of this technique is conducted using a combination of a two-dimensional pulse transient flow equation with damping, software numerical simulations, and theoretical analysis. The study reveals that the step rectangular pulse hydraulic fracturing method offers superior pressurization and more complex fracture networks in shale reservoirs while lowering water consumption by 20% less than conventional methods and increasing shale gas production by 12%. Through identifying optimal pulse parameters, this research provides valuable guidance for field implementation, promoting efficient water management and environmental sustainability in hydraulic fracturing operations. This novel approach to hydraulic fracturing has the potential to significantly advance the industry’s efforts to address water management challenges and mitigate environmental risks associated with shale gas extraction.

Keywords: hydraulic fracturing operation; enhanced water management; water flow-back management; environment risk assessment; fracture mechanics; shale gas exploitation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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