Recent Developments in Multiscale and Multiphase Modelling of the Hydraulic Fracturing Process

Abstract

Recently hydraulic fracturing of rocks has received much attention not only for its economic importance but also for its potential environmental impact. The hydraulically fracturing technique has been widely used in the oil (EOR) and gas (EGR) industries, especially in the USA, to extract more oil/gas through the deep rock formations. Also there have been increasing interests in utilising the hydraulic fracturing technique in geological storage of CO 2 in recent years. In all cases, the design and implementation of the hydraulic fracturing process play a central role, highlighting the significance of research and development of this technique. However, the uncertainty behind the fracking mechanism has triggered public debates regarding the possible effect of this technique on human health and the environment. This has presented new challenges in the study of the hydraulic fracturing process. This paper describes the hydraulic fracturing mechanism and provides an overview of past and recent developments of the research performed towards better understandings of the hydraulic fracturing and its potential impacts, with particular emphasis on the development of modelling techniques and their implementation on the hydraulic fracturing.

Techno-economic analysis of intermediate hydrocarbon injection on coupled CO2 storage and enhanced oil recovery

“…There are several other costs that affect the cost calculation, such as surface equipment lease fee and minor costs for screening, contracts, insurance, and monitoring. (Sheng et al, 2015).…”

Stress-dependent unstable dynamic propagation of multiple hydraulic fractures: a review of stress shadow effects and continuum-discontinuum methods

“…, 2016; Maulianda et al. , 2020; Sheng et al. , 2015), but there is no detailed introduction and review of fracture deflection behavior and stress shadowing effects.…”

Natural Fracture Development Characteristics and Their Relationship with Gas Contents─A Case Study of Wufeng–Longmaxi Formation in Luzhou Area, Southern Sichuan Basin, China

“… 11 − 13 Hence, the development of natural fractures should be considered in geological exploration of shale gas, drilling direction design of horizontal wells, and hydraulic fracturing methods. 14 For reservoirs, unfilled fractures can also provide channels for the migration of shale gas to increase the effectiveness of shale reservoirs apart from being effective reservoir spaces. 8 , 15 − 17 Regarding the preservation conditions, the self-closed property of shale might be destroyed by the excessively developed fractures, leading to vertical dissipation of shale gas.…”

“…Natural fractures play pivotal roles in the shale storage space, preservation conditions, and the morphology and expansion form of artificial fracture networks during fracturing and development, according to actual results of shale gas exploration in the Appalachian Basin of the United States and the Sichuan Basin of China. − Hence, the development of natural fractures should be considered in geological exploration of shale gas, drilling direction design of horizontal wells, and hydraulic fracturing methods . For reservoirs, unfilled fractures can also provide channels for the migration of shale gas to increase the effectiveness of shale reservoirs apart from being effective reservoir spaces. ,− Regarding the preservation conditions, the self-closed property of shale might be destroyed by the excessively developed fractures, leading to vertical dissipation of shale gas.…”