True in situ fracturing experiment: preliminary results

Conference · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1978

OSTI ID:6072553

Stevens, A L; Parrish, R L; Turner, Jr, T F

A true in situ oil shale retort bed preparation experiment has been performed using an explosive slurry inserted and detonated in pre-formed horizontal hydraulic fractures. The objective was to test this method for producing a distributed fracture network with sufficient porosity and permeability for retorting. Numerous diagnostic and evaluation measurements were performed during the course of the experiment for initial site evaluation, hydraulic fracture assessment, explosive insertion and detonation performance, and post-detonation fracture and permeability assessment. Results show an extensive degree of fracturing, however the fracture-induced permeability is essentially limited to the enlarged preformed hydraulic fracture horizons into which the explosive slurry was inserted and detonated.

• Research Organization: Sandia Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA); Department of Energy, Laramie, WY (USA). Laramie Energy Technology Center
• DOE Contract Number: EY-76-C-04-0789
• OSTI ID: 6072553
• Report Number(s): SAND-78-1603C; CONF-781003-5
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

04 OIL SHALES AND TAR SANDS
040401* -- Oil Shales & Tar Sands-- In Situ Methods
True & Modified
BITUMINOUS MATERIALS
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
COMMINUTION
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAMS
ENERGY SOURCES
EVALUATION
EXPLOSIVE FRACTURING
FOSSIL FUELS
FRACTURING
FUELS
IN-SITU PROCESSING
IN-SITU RETORTING
OIL SHALES
PERMEABILITY
POROSITY
PROCESSING
RETORTING