Coupled gas flow/solid dynamics model for predicting the formation of fracture patterns in gas well simulation experiments. [Propellant mixture used instead of explosives to fracture rock surrounding borehole]
A two-dimensional finite element model for predicting fracture patterns obtained in high energy gas fracture experiments is presented. In these experiments, a mixture of propellants is used instead of explosives to fracture the rock surrounding the borehole. The propellant mixture is chosen to tailor the pressure pulse so that multiple fractures emanate from the borehole. The model allows the fracture pattern and pressure pulse to be calculated for different combinations of propellant mixture, in situ stress conditions, and rock properties. The model calculates the amount of gas generated by the burning propellants using a burn rate given by a power law in pressure. By assuming that the gas behaves as a perfect gas and that the flow down the fractures is isothermal, the loss of gas from the borehole due to flow down the cracks is accounted for. The flow of gas down the cracks is included in an approximate manner by assuming self-similar pressure profiles along the fractures. Numerical examples are presented and compared to three different full-scale experiments. Results show a good correlation with the experimental data over a wide variety of test parameters. 9 reference, 10 figures, 3 tables.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-76DP00789
- OSTI ID:
- 6719045
- Report Number(s):
- SAND-84-0016; ON: DE84015421
- 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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58 GEOSCIENCES
15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
BLACK SHALES
CRACK PROPAGATION
FRACTURES
FRACTURING
NATURAL GAS DEPOSITS
TUFF
BOREHOLES
DEVONIAN PERIOD
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
FORECASTING
GAS FLOW
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
NATURAL GAS WELLS
PROPELLANTS
PULSE TECHNIQUES
TWO-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
WELL STIMULATION
BITUMINOUS MATERIALS
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
CAVITIES
CHATTANOOGA FORMATION
COMMINUTION
DATA
ENERGY SOURCES
FAILURES
FLUID FLOW
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
GEOLOGIC AGES
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GEOLOGIC FORMATIONS
INFORMATION
MATERIALS
MINERAL RESOURCES
NUMERICAL DATA
NUMERICAL SOLUTION
OIL SHALES
PALEOZOIC ERA
RESOURCES
STIMULATION
WELLS
Geothermal Legacy
030900* - Natural Gas- Artificial Stimulation
Plowshare- (-1989)
580300 - Mineralogy
Petrology
& Rock Mechanics- (-1989)