LAPSE:2018.0499
Published Article
LAPSE:2018.0499
Method for Visualizing Fractures Induced by Laboratory-Based Hydraulic Fracturing and Its Application to Shale Samples
September 21, 2018
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
fracture pattern, hydraulic fracturing, laboratory test, polarization microscope observation, shale, visualization
Subject
Suggested Citation
Chen Y, Naoi M, Tomonaga Y, Akai T, Tanaka H, Takagi S, Ishida T. Method for Visualizing Fractures Induced by Laboratory-Based Hydraulic Fracturing and Its Application to Shale Samples. (2018). LAPSE:2018.0499
Author Affiliations
Chen Y: Graduate School of Energy Science, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan [ORCID]
Naoi M: Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto daigaku-katsura C-cluster, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8540, Japan [ORCID]
Tomonaga Y: Graduate School of Energy Science, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
Akai T: Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation, Toranomon Twin Building 2-10-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0001, Japan [ORCID]
Tanaka H: Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation, Toranomon Twin Building 2-10-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0001, Japan [ORCID]
Takagi S: Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation, Toranomon Twin Building 2-10-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0001, Japan
Ishida T: Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto daigaku-katsura C-cluster, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8540, Japan [ORCID]
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Journal Name
Energies
Volume
11
Issue
8
Article Number
E1976
Year
2018
Publication Date
2018-07-30
Published Version
ISSN
1996-1073
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Original Submission
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PII: en11081976, Publication Type: Journal Article
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LAPSE:2018.0499
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doi:10.3390/en11081976
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Sep 21, 2018
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CC BY 4.0
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Sep 21, 2018
 
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Original Submitter
Calvin Tsay
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