Hydraulic Fracturing Studies
Assessment of oil backflow after the impact of hydraulic fracturing fluid to simulate the process occurring during hydraulic fracturing.
Hydraulic Fracturing Studies
Hydraulic Fracturing
Hydraulic fracturing is a complex technological operation that involves creating a fracture by injecting working fluid into the treated interval of the formation. Traditional laboratory testing is performed on shale cores and can take months, imposing limitations on repeatability and detailed analysis of fluid behavior.
The proposed microfluidic technology provides a rapid visual understanding of the interaction between oil and the injection agent under representative reservoir conditions, allowing for quick decision-making based on the data obtained. Experimental studies help select the best additives for fluids by quantitatively assessing their relative characteristics and compatibility with other fluids.
The proposed microfluidic technology provides a rapid visual understanding of the interaction between oil and the injection agent under representative reservoir conditions, allowing for quick decision-making based on the data obtained. Experimental studies help select the best additives for fluids by quantitatively assessing their relative characteristics and compatibility with other fluids.
Hydraulic Fracturing Studies
Microchip Structure Design
The microfluidic chip represents a high-permeability zone simulating a hydraulic fracturing fracture, as well as a low-permeability porous medium around this fracture. The properties of the porous structure, including permeability, porosity, and pore size distribution, can be reproduced based on data from the actual field where the study to optimize the fracturing technology is planned.
Our manufacturing process allows the reproduction of a wide range of geometries and pore networks with precision to a pore size of less than 1 micrometer.
Our manufacturing process allows the reproduction of a wide range of geometries and pore networks with precision to a pore size of less than 1 micrometer.
Experimental Methodology
In the first stage, the microfluidic chip is filled with oil from the actual reservoir. Then, in the same direction, the fracturing fluid is injected. To initiate the backflow, oil is injected in the opposite direction from the initial injection, simulating the oil extraction phase.
At this stage, the displacement front from the fracturing fluid is analyzed using a fluorescent microscope, characterized by a productivity coefficient. An additional parameter indicating the quality of the back displacement of the model was the change in pressure drop during the back pumping.
Technology Advantages
- Small fluid volume - less than 10 ml;
- Duration of a single test - less than one working day;
- Geometry that mimics the properties of a real reservoir;
- Focus on the interaction mechanism of fluids, which excludes other mechanisms (including the impact of rock surface).