A geomechanical and fluid-flow coupled model was developed to simulate natural-fracture network reactivation during hydraulic fracturing treatments in shale gas reservoirs. The fractures were modelled using the continuum approach in a commercial finite-difference code, labeled the "softening ubiquitous joints" model with randomply distributed strength parameters to describe heterogeneity along the fracture plane. The models allow for intersecting fractures to represent realistic scenarios. The permeability values in the fractures are dynamically updated during the simulations together with the reversible tensile opening because of elastic response and irreversible shear opening caused by plastic deformations. The reactivation of the fracture network resulted in hugh permeability along these fracture planes. The developed model can predict microseismic events caused by slip on the fracture planes. The magnitude levels of these microseismic events are comparable with the levels observed in events monitored by use of geophone arrays during hydraulic-fracturing treatments for different shale gas reservoirs.

Natural-Fracture Reactivation in Shale Gas Reservoir and Resulting Microseismicity / Shahid, ARSHAD SHEHZAD AHMAD; Wassing, B. B. T.; Fokker, PETRUS ADRIANUS; Verga, Francesca. - In: JOURNAL OF CANADIAN PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY. - ISSN 0021-9487. - STAMPA. - 54:6(2015), pp. 450-459. [10.2118/178437-PA]

Natural-Fracture Reactivation in Shale Gas Reservoir and Resulting Microseismicity

SHAHID, ARSHAD SHEHZAD AHMAD;FOKKER, PETRUS ADRIANUS;VERGA, FRANCESCA
2015

Abstract

A geomechanical and fluid-flow coupled model was developed to simulate natural-fracture network reactivation during hydraulic fracturing treatments in shale gas reservoirs. The fractures were modelled using the continuum approach in a commercial finite-difference code, labeled the "softening ubiquitous joints" model with randomply distributed strength parameters to describe heterogeneity along the fracture plane. The models allow for intersecting fractures to represent realistic scenarios. The permeability values in the fractures are dynamically updated during the simulations together with the reversible tensile opening because of elastic response and irreversible shear opening caused by plastic deformations. The reactivation of the fracture network resulted in hugh permeability along these fracture planes. The developed model can predict microseismic events caused by slip on the fracture planes. The magnitude levels of these microseismic events are comparable with the levels observed in events monitored by use of geophone arrays during hydraulic-fracturing treatments for different shale gas reservoirs.
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11583/2535691
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