Parameter sensitivity analysis of tailored-pulse loading stimulation of Devonian gas shale
An evaluation of three tailored-pulse loading parameters has been undertaken to access their importance in gas well stimulation technology. This numerical evaluation was performed using STEALTH finite-difference codes and was intended to provide a measure of the effects of various tailored-pulse load configurations on fracture development in Devonian gas shale. The three parameters considered in the sensitivity analysis were: loading rate; decay rate; and sustained peak pressures. By varying these parameters in six computations and comparing the relative differences in fracture initiation and propagation the following conclusions were drawn: (1) Fracture initiation is directly related to the loading rate aplied to the wellbore wall. Loading rates of 10, 100 and 1000 GPa/sec were modeled. (2) If yielding of the rock can be prevented or minimized, by maintaining low peak pressures in the wellbore, increasing the pulse loading rate, to say 10,000 GPa/sec or more, should initiate additional multiple fractures. (3) Fracture initiation does not appear to be related to the tailored-pulse decay rate. Fracture extension may be influenced by the rate of decay. The slower the decay rate, the longer the crack extension. (4) Fracture initiation does not appear to be improved by a high pressure plateau in the tailored-pulse. Fracture propagation may be enhanced if the maintained wellbore pressure plateau is of sufficient magnitude to extent the range of the tangential tensile stresses to greater radial distances. 26 figures, 2 tables.
- Research Organization:
- Science Applications, Inc., Golden, CO (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AM21-78MC08216
- OSTI ID:
- 6478840
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/MC/08216-1333; ON: DE83006476
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Portions are illegible in microfiche products. Original copy available until stock is exhausted
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
BLACK SHALES
EXPLOSIVE FRACTURING
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS
NATURAL GAS DEPOSITS
BOREHOLES
DEVONIAN PERIOD
ENHANCED RECOVERY
EVALUATION
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
NATURAL GAS
OPTIMIZATION
STRESSES
BITUMINOUS MATERIALS
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
CAVITIES
CHATTANOOGA FORMATION
COMMINUTION
DATA
ENERGY SOURCES
FLUIDS
FOSSIL FUELS
FRACTURING
FUEL GAS
FUELS
GAS FUELS
GASES
GEOLOGIC AGES
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GEOLOGIC FORMATIONS
INFORMATION
MATERIALS
MINERAL RESOURCES
NUMERICAL DATA
OIL SHALES
PALEOZOIC ERA
RECOVERY
RESOURCES
030900* - Natural Gas- Artificial Stimulation
Plowshare- (-1989)