Three-dimensional hydraulic fracture model development for application to and understanding of coal-bed methane-stimulation treatments. Final report, July 1, 1984-December 16, 1988

Technical Report · Wed Mar 01 00:00:00 EST 1989

OSTI ID:5847323

Mavko, B B; Nielsen, P E; Hanson, M E

A preliminary three-dimensional numerical model was developed to simulate hydraulically driven fracturing for application to coal seam methane drainage. The initial focus was development of a circular fracture model which served, in part, as a test bed for concepts and formulations applicable to the more general three-dimensional model. Findings from circular model studies were used to design a multiseam fracture treatment. The three-dimensional model involved development of exact influence coefficients for the elastic calculations, inclusion of the aperture time derivative, implementation of an equilibrium tip condition, incorporation of modulus and stress layering, dynamic grid rezoning, incorporation of a two-dimensional fluid flow solution, implementation of the applicable fluid flow boundary conditions, development of a physically realistic fracture front propagation scheme, and proper coupling and control of the various fracture, flow, and calculational model components. Model simulations illustrate important physical effects of fracturing in coal. Preliminary simulations are discussed which show the effects of different viscosity fluids, and effects of stress and modulus variations on vertical fracture containment.

• Research Organization: Comdisco Resources, Inc., San Francisco, CA (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5847323
• Report Number(s): PB-89-181135/XAB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

03 NATURAL GAS
01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
COAL DEPOSITS
METHANE
COAL SEAMS
HYDRAULIC FRACTURING
RECOVERY
CRACK PROPAGATION
FLUID FLOW
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
PROGRESS REPORT
ROCK MECHANICS
STRESS ANALYSIS
THREE-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
VISCOSITY
WATER REMOVAL
ALKANES
COMMINUTION
DOCUMENT TYPES
FRACTURING
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
HYDROCARBONS
MECHANICS
MINERAL RESOURCES
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
REMOVAL
RESOURCES
030900* - Natural Gas- Artificial Stimulation
Plowshare- (-1989)
010500 - Coal
Lignite
& Peat- Products & By-Products