LLL Gas Stimulation Program. Quarterly progress report, January--March 1978

Technical Report · Tue Apr 25 04:00:00 EST 1978

OSTI ID:6872158

Hanson, M E; Anderson, G D; Shaffer, R J; Montan, D N; Haimson, B; Cleary, M P

Research and accomplishments of the LLL Gas Stimulation Program during the second quarter of fiscal year 1978 is summarized. Hydraulic fracturing models were developed and applied, and some calculations of the local and distant effects of the hydraulic fracturing process have been performed. Analyses of the surface deformation effects in a layered medium above a hydraulic fracture have been completed. Some of these results are included, and a report outlining detailed findings is in preparation. A theoretical and laboratory analysis is being conducted of the effects of layering and interfaces on the hydraulic fracturing process. Early results indicate that the stress concentration factors at the tips of a pressurized fracture across an interface are significantly affected by the differences in the mechanical moduli on either side of the interface. Additionally, the frictional characteristics of the interfaces strongly affect propagation across the interface. Theoretical dislocation models are being advanced for application to problems related to crack propagation across an interface. Experiments are being pursued to determine the effects of principal stress magnitudes on the orientation of a hydraulic fracture in porous basalt. Pressure test data taken by Mobile Research and Development Corporation and DOE at a Piceance Creek MHF-stimulated well (unit Well F31-13G) was analyzed that shows fairly good flow rates. The analysis indicates relatively short fracture wing lengths in the production reservoir rock and damage by the fracturing fluid on the fracture faces.

• Research Organization: California Univ., Livermore (USA). Lawrence Livermore Lab.
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 6872158
• Report Number(s): UCRL-50036-78-1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

03 NATURAL GAS
030900* -- Natural Gas-- Artificial Stimulation
Plowshare-- (-1989)
COMMINUTION
CRACKS
ENGINEERING
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
FRACTURING
GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS
HYDRAULIC FRACTURING
LAYERS
NATURAL GAS WELLS
PICEANCE CREEK BASIN
PROPPING AGENTS
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
RESERVOIR ENGINEERING
STRESSES
WELL STIMULATION
WELLS