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Characteristics of Complex Fractures by Liquid Nitrogen Fracturing in Brittle Shales
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5917-0475
Abstract Shale gas resource exploitation is essential to meet the global energy demand. The creation of complex fracture networks in tight shale reservoirs by hydraulic fracturing to improve production is significant. However, water waste and environmental issues raise concerns. We study the potential of liquid nitrogen ($ LN_{2} $) as an environmental-friendly and super-cooling fluid used for shale fracturing instead of water. The fracturing performances of $ LN_{2} $ in brittle-siliceous shales under true triaxial-confining stresses. Scanning electron microscopy was assisted in analyzing the fracture initiation behavior. The results show that $ LN_{2} $ fracturing could significantly decrease breakdown pressure compared with water fracturing and effectively activate pre-existing fractures and bedding planes. A complex fracture network far from the wellbore and various micro cracks around the borehole would enhance formation permeability. The lower stress anisotropy, higher pumping rate, and lower bedding plane angle cause more complex fractures. This investigation, for the first time, systematically reports the potential benefits of $ LN_{2} $ fracturing in shale reservoirs, supplying fundamental understandings for waterless fracturing in the development of fossil fuels. It is expected to provide a feasible alternative for the sustainable development of shale oil and gas resources, especially the deep formations, in an efficient and environmentally friendly way.
Highlights Liquid nitrogen fracturing can develop shale gas resources in an efficient way.Laboratory cryogenic fracturing tests on siliceous shale using liquid nitrogen were conducted.Sharp thermal gradient between liquid nitrogen and shale can facilitate fracture initiation.Liquid nitrogen fracturing can lower fracture initiation and increase the fracture network complexity.
Characteristics of Complex Fractures by Liquid Nitrogen Fracturing in Brittle Shales
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5917-0475
Abstract Shale gas resource exploitation is essential to meet the global energy demand. The creation of complex fracture networks in tight shale reservoirs by hydraulic fracturing to improve production is significant. However, water waste and environmental issues raise concerns. We study the potential of liquid nitrogen ($ LN_{2} $) as an environmental-friendly and super-cooling fluid used for shale fracturing instead of water. The fracturing performances of $ LN_{2} $ in brittle-siliceous shales under true triaxial-confining stresses. Scanning electron microscopy was assisted in analyzing the fracture initiation behavior. The results show that $ LN_{2} $ fracturing could significantly decrease breakdown pressure compared with water fracturing and effectively activate pre-existing fractures and bedding planes. A complex fracture network far from the wellbore and various micro cracks around the borehole would enhance formation permeability. The lower stress anisotropy, higher pumping rate, and lower bedding plane angle cause more complex fractures. This investigation, for the first time, systematically reports the potential benefits of $ LN_{2} $ fracturing in shale reservoirs, supplying fundamental understandings for waterless fracturing in the development of fossil fuels. It is expected to provide a feasible alternative for the sustainable development of shale oil and gas resources, especially the deep formations, in an efficient and environmentally friendly way.
Highlights Liquid nitrogen fracturing can develop shale gas resources in an efficient way.Laboratory cryogenic fracturing tests on siliceous shale using liquid nitrogen were conducted.Sharp thermal gradient between liquid nitrogen and shale can facilitate fracture initiation.Liquid nitrogen fracturing can lower fracture initiation and increase the fracture network complexity.
Characteristics of Complex Fractures by Liquid Nitrogen Fracturing in Brittle Shales
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5917-0475
Abstract Shale gas resource exploitation is essential to meet the global energy demand. The creation of complex fracture networks in tight shale reservoirs by hydraulic fracturing to improve production is significant. However, water waste and environmental issues raise concerns. We study the potential of liquid nitrogen ($ LN_{2} $) as an environmental-friendly and super-cooling fluid used for shale fracturing instead of water. The fracturing performances of $ LN_{2} $ in brittle-siliceous shales under true triaxial-confining stresses. Scanning electron microscopy was assisted in analyzing the fracture initiation behavior. The results show that $ LN_{2} $ fracturing could significantly decrease breakdown pressure compared with water fracturing and effectively activate pre-existing fractures and bedding planes. A complex fracture network far from the wellbore and various micro cracks around the borehole would enhance formation permeability. The lower stress anisotropy, higher pumping rate, and lower bedding plane angle cause more complex fractures. This investigation, for the first time, systematically reports the potential benefits of $ LN_{2} $ fracturing in shale reservoirs, supplying fundamental understandings for waterless fracturing in the development of fossil fuels. It is expected to provide a feasible alternative for the sustainable development of shale oil and gas resources, especially the deep formations, in an efficient and environmentally friendly way.
Highlights Liquid nitrogen fracturing can develop shale gas resources in an efficient way.Laboratory cryogenic fracturing tests on siliceous shale using liquid nitrogen were conducted.Sharp thermal gradient between liquid nitrogen and shale can facilitate fracture initiation.Liquid nitrogen fracturing can lower fracture initiation and increase the fracture network complexity.
Characteristics of Complex Fractures by Liquid Nitrogen Fracturing in Brittle Shales
Qu, Hai (author) / Tang, Shimao (author) / Liu, Ying (author) / Huang, Pengpeng (author) / Wu, Xiaoguang (author) / Liu, Zhonghua (author) / Li, Chengying (author)
2022
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
BKL:
38.58
Geomechanik
/
56.20
Ingenieurgeologie, Bodenmechanik
/
38.58$jGeomechanik
/
56.20$jIngenieurgeologie$jBodenmechanik
RVK:
ELIB41
Concrete. A brittle fracturing material
| Springer Verlag | 1984
Microstructural Damage-Induced Localized Fracturing of Brittle Rocks
| British Library Conference Proceedings | 2016