Flow Stimulation in Tight Rocks
Flow Stimulation in Tight Rocks
Energy extraction from tight shale and geothermal reservoirs is among the solutions that can help further mitigate GHG emissions from our energy system. Nonetheless, fluid production requires technologies capable of stimulating sufficient permeability of natural geologic formations without causing harm to the surrounding environment. We are studying the controls on fluid flow development through different types of stimulation practices with the aim of making the fullest use of the rock reservoir volumes while reducing induced seismicity.
Enhanced Geothermal Systems
Margariete Malenda Ph.D. Student
In enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), field operators stimulate hot, tight, crystalline reservoirs by injecting surface water into the subsurface. The water cools minerals. Upon cooling, the mineral grains contract and crack. The newly formed microcrack networks then allow for fluid to flow more easily through the reservoir, heat up, and be extracted as steam for energy.
Shale Characterization
Jihui Ding Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Developing unconventional resources requires monitoring of flow pathways for assessing the effectiveness of stimulation and improving reservoir management. Rock physics experiments are conducted to study velocity signatures and transport properties of fractures with contrasting propping efficiency. These experiments will provide basis for seismic monitoring of flow pathways in the field.
Related Publications
- Malenda, M., & Vanorio, T. (2023). Using acoustic velocities and microimaging to probe microstructural changes caused by thermal shocking of tight rocks. Frontiers in Earth Science, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2022.1054469
- Clark, A., Vanorio, T., Zaitsev, V., & Radostin, A. (2021). Assessing Crack Compliance in Low Porosity Rocks Damaged by Thermo-Hydro-Chemo-Mechanical Processes. JGR Solid Earth, 126(12). https://doi.org/10.1029/2021JB023217
- Malenda, M., Vanorio, T., Mignani, S., Ding, J., & Chung, J. (2021). Rock Physics and Experimentation in Decarbonizing the Future. The Leading Edge, in Special Section: The role of geophysics in a net-zero-carbon world, 245-. https://doi.org/10.1190/tle40040306.1
- Clark, A., Vanorio, T., Zaitsev, V., & Radostin, A. (2021). Avoiding biases of geometric crack representations in rocks. SEG Technical Program Expanded Abstracts 2021.
- Ding, J., Clark, A., Vanorio, T., Bargar, J., & Jew, A. (2021). Elastic anisotropy of shales: modeling crack alignment and compliance ratio. Geophyiscs.
- Ding, J., Clark, A., Vanorio, T., Bargar, J., & Jew, A. (2021). Rock physics modeling of crack-induced stress sensitivity, SEG Technical Program Expanded Abstracts 2021. SEG Technical Program Expanded Abstracts 2021.
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