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Factors that predict fracture orientation in a gas storage reservoir

Conference · · Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5370506

Exploratory research was conducted in a gas-storage reservoir in Hocking County, Ohio, to determine why hydraulically induced vertical fractures tend to follow a preferred direction. Surface measurements of joints, aerial photograph lineaments, and residual stress orientations were compared to directional property measurements on oriented surface and subsurface cores. These data were compared to hydraulically induced vertical fracture orientations obtained by impression packers and borehole photographs in the reservoir. The direction of maximum horizontal stress in an outcrop formation correlated well with the orientation of hydraulically induced fractures in this reservoir. Azimuthal frequency distribution diagrams of joints and lineaments correlated well with directional ultrasonic velocity and permeability measurements in oriented subsurface cores from a well in a gas-storage reservoir, and both were related to the present fracturing trend. However, directional property measurements on oriented surface outcrop specimens were not consistent with subsurface core measurements, although they did correlate well with joint and lineament measurements corresponding to an earlier tectonic stress in the region. (26 refs.)

Research Organization:
US Bureau Mines
OSTI ID:
5370506
Report Number(s):
CONF-701012-
Journal Information:
Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States), Journal Name: Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States) Vol. SPE-2968; ISSN SEAPA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English