[PDF] Proposal For Research On Evolution Of Fracture Networks Due To Thermal And Fluid Flow Processes eBook

Author :
Publisher :
Page : pages
File Size : 28,74 MB
Release : 2013
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ISBN :

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Advancement of EGS requires improved prediction of fracture development and growth during reservoir stimulation and long-term operation. This, in turn, requires better understanding of the dynamics of the strongly coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) processes within fractured rocks. We have developed a physically based rock deformation and fracture propagation simulator by using a quasi-static discrete element model (DEM) to model mechanical rock deformation and fracture propagation induced by thermal stress and fluid pressure changes. We also developed a network model to simulate fluid flow and heat transport in both fractures and porous rock. In this paper, we describe results of simulations in which the DEM model and network flow & heat transport model are coupled together to provide realistic simulation of the changes of apertures and permeability of fractures and fracture networks induced by thermal cooling and fluid pressure changes within fractures. Various processes, such as Stokes flow in low velocity pores, convection-dominated heat transport in fractures, heat exchange between fluid-filled fractures and solid rock, heat conduction through low-permeability matrices and associated mechanical deformations are all incorporated into the coupled model. The effects of confining stresses, developing thermal stress and injection pressure on the permeability evolution of fracture and fracture networks are systematically investigated. Results are summarized in terms of implications for the development and evolution of fracture distribution during hydrofracturing and thermal stimulation for EGS.

Author : Michael John Welch
Publisher : Springer Nature
Page : 237 pages
File Size : 14,95 MB
Release : 2020-09-18
Category : Technology & Engineering
ISBN : 3030524140

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This book presents and describes an innovative method to simulate the growth of natural fractural networks in different geological environments, based on their geological history and fundamental geomechanical principles. The book develops techniques to simulate the growth and interaction of large populations of layer-bound fracture directly, based on linear elastic fracture mechanics and subcritical propagation theory. It demonstrates how to use these techniques to model the nucleation, propagation and interaction of layer-bound fractures in different orientations around large scale geological structures, based on the geological history of the structures. It also explains how to use these techniques to build more accurate discrete fracture network (DFN) models at a reasonable computational cost. These models can explain many of the properties of natural fracture networks observed in outcrops, using actual outcrop examples. Finally, the book demonstrates how it can be incorporated into flow modelling workflows using subsurface examples from the hydrocarbon and geothermal industries. Modelling the Evolution of Natural Fracture Networks will be of interest to anyone curious about understanding and predicting the evolution of complex natural fracture networks across large geological structures. It will be helpful to those modelling fluid flow through fractures, or the geomechanical impact of fracture networks, in the hydrocarbon, geothermal, CO2 sequestration, groundwater and engineering industries.

Author : Richeng Liu
Publisher : MDPI
Page : 578 pages
File Size : 10,20 MB
Release : 2019-09-30
Category : Technology & Engineering
ISBN : 3039214233

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The fluid flow in fracture porous media plays a significant role in the assessment of deep underground reservoirs, such as through CO2 sequestration, enhanced oil recovery, and geothermal energy development. Many methods have been employed—from laboratory experimentation to theoretical analysis and numerical simulations—and allowed for many useful conclusions. This Special Issue aims to report on the current advances related to this topic. This collection of 58 papers represents a wide variety of topics, including on granite permeability investigation, grouting, coal mining, roadway, and concrete, to name but a few. We sincerely hope that the papers published in this Special Issue will be an invaluable resource for our readers.

Author : Fahad M. Qassim
Publisher :
Page : 0 pages
File Size : 35,47 MB
Release : 2023
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Assessing fracture network connectivity in reservoirs remains a challenging task because of the complex nature of fracture networks at various length scales, which significantly impacts fluid flow behavior. Outcrop studies are essential for understanding subsurface fracture networks because intersecting fracture sheets' length, orientation, height distribution, and, therefore, network connectivity and intensity are difficult to measure from wellbores and are typically below seismic resolution. Nevertheless, fracture network connectivity is a crucial parameter and a critical factor in understanding, evaluating, and predicting fluid flow behavior in hydrocarbon reservoirs, aquifers, hazardous waste and CO2 storage systems, and geothermal energy exploitation. Moreover, fracture connectivity studies are critical to predicting reservoir performance and hydraulic fracturing. Although using topology to assess the connectivity of fracture networks has recently gained popularity in structural geology, no study has been conducted to investigate the impact of lithological variation on the connectivity of fractured carbonates. This contribution aims to use the fracture network topology (nodes, branches, and lines) at outcrops to assess the connectivity and intensity of fracture networks in different carbonate lithologies from the Ozark Plateau, Arkansas, USA. Thin sections were obtained to determine the type of carbonate under the Dunham classification and to compare the connectivity and intensity of fracture networks to the carbonate lithology. Results show that mud-supported carbonates (mudstone and wackestone) have higher connectivity and intensity than grain-supported carbonates (packstone and grainstone). Mudstones exhibit the highest average connectivity and intensity, whereas grainstones show the lowest average connectivity and intensity. The variation in connectivity is due to the variation in the percentage of connected nodes and branches in the carbonate type. Packstones show a wide range of connectivity and intensity due to mechanical and chemical compaction processes. Further research is needed to investigate the variation in packstones and the natural factors that control the connectivity in carbonate type. Results of this study show that topology is an effective method to assess the impact of lithological variation on the connectivity and intensity of fractured carbonates.

Author : Mehrdad Massoudi
Publisher : MDPI
Page : 470 pages
File Size : 41,22 MB
Release : 2020-04-16
Category : Technology & Engineering
ISBN : 3039287206

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Geothermal energy is the thermal energy generated and stored in the Earth's core, mantle, and crust. Geothermal technologies are used to generate electricity and to heat and cool buildings. To develop accurate models for heat and mass transfer applications involving fluid flow in geothermal applications or reservoir engineering and petroleum industries, a basic knowledge of the rheological and transport properties of the materials involved (drilling fluid, rock properties, etc.)—especially in high-temperature and high-pressure environments—are needed. This Special Issue considers all aspects of fluid flow and heat transfer in geothermal applications, including the ground heat exchanger, conduction and convection in porous media. The emphasis here is on mathematical and computational aspects of fluid flow in conventional and unconventional reservoirs, geothermal engineering, fluid flow, and heat transfer in drilling engineering and enhanced oil recovery (hydraulic fracturing, CO2 injection, etc.) applications.