Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical Behavior of Conductive Fractures Using a Hybrid Finite Difference - Displacement Discontinuity Method

Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical Behavior of Conductive Fractures Using a Hybrid Finite Difference - Displacement Discontinuity Method PDF Author: Mohammadreza Jalali
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
Large amounts of hydrocarbon reserves are trapped in fractured reservoirs where fluid flux is far more rapid along fractures than through the porous matrix, even though the volume of the pore space may be a hundred times greater than the volume of the fractures. These are considered extremely challenging in terms of accurate recovery prediction because of their complexity and heterogeneity. Conventional reservoir simulators are generally not suited to naturally fractured reservoirs' production history simulation, especially when production processes are associated with large pressure and temperature changes that lead to large redistribution of effective stresses, causing natural fracture aperture alterations. In this case, all the effective processes, i.e. hydraulic, thermal and geomechanical, should be considered simultaneously to explain and evaluate the behavior of stress-sensitive reservoirs over the production period. This is called thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) coupling. In this study, a fully coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical approach is developed to simulate the physical behavior of fractures in a plane strain thermo-poroelastic medium. A hybrid numerical method, which implements both the finite difference method (FDM) and the displacement discontinuity method (DDM), is established to study the pressure, temperature, deformation and stress variations of fractures and surrounding rocks during production processes. This method is straightforward and can be implemented in conventional reservoir simulators to update fracture conductivity as it uses the same grid block as the reservoir grids and requires only discretization of fractures. The hybrid model is then verified with couple of analytical solutions for the fracture aperture variation under different conditions. This model is implemented for some examples to present the behavior of fracture network as well as its surrounding rock under thermal injection and production. The results of this work clearly show the importance of rate, aspect ratio (i.e. geometry) and the coupling effects among fracture flow rate and aperture changes arising from coupled stress, pressure and temperature changes. The outcomes of this approach can be used to study the behavior of hydraulic injection for induced fracturing and promoting of shearing such as hydraulic fracturing of shale gas or shale oil reservoirs as well as massive waste disposal in the porous carbonate rocks. Furthermore, implementation of this technique should be able to lead to a better understanding of induced seismicity in injection projects of all kinds, whether it is for waste water disposal, or for the extraction of geothermal energy.

Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical Behavior of Conductive Fractures Using a Hybrid Finite Difference - Displacement Discontinuity Method

Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical Behavior of Conductive Fractures Using a Hybrid Finite Difference - Displacement Discontinuity Method PDF Author: Mohammadreza Jalali
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
Large amounts of hydrocarbon reserves are trapped in fractured reservoirs where fluid flux is far more rapid along fractures than through the porous matrix, even though the volume of the pore space may be a hundred times greater than the volume of the fractures. These are considered extremely challenging in terms of accurate recovery prediction because of their complexity and heterogeneity. Conventional reservoir simulators are generally not suited to naturally fractured reservoirs' production history simulation, especially when production processes are associated with large pressure and temperature changes that lead to large redistribution of effective stresses, causing natural fracture aperture alterations. In this case, all the effective processes, i.e. hydraulic, thermal and geomechanical, should be considered simultaneously to explain and evaluate the behavior of stress-sensitive reservoirs over the production period. This is called thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) coupling. In this study, a fully coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical approach is developed to simulate the physical behavior of fractures in a plane strain thermo-poroelastic medium. A hybrid numerical method, which implements both the finite difference method (FDM) and the displacement discontinuity method (DDM), is established to study the pressure, temperature, deformation and stress variations of fractures and surrounding rocks during production processes. This method is straightforward and can be implemented in conventional reservoir simulators to update fracture conductivity as it uses the same grid block as the reservoir grids and requires only discretization of fractures. The hybrid model is then verified with couple of analytical solutions for the fracture aperture variation under different conditions. This model is implemented for some examples to present the behavior of fracture network as well as its surrounding rock under thermal injection and production. The results of this work clearly show the importance of rate, aspect ratio (i.e. geometry) and the coupling effects among fracture flow rate and aperture changes arising from coupled stress, pressure and temperature changes. The outcomes of this approach can be used to study the behavior of hydraulic injection for induced fracturing and promoting of shearing such as hydraulic fracturing of shale gas or shale oil reservoirs as well as massive waste disposal in the porous carbonate rocks. Furthermore, implementation of this technique should be able to lead to a better understanding of induced seismicity in injection projects of all kinds, whether it is for waste water disposal, or for the extraction of geothermal energy.

Geotechnical Synergy in Buenos Aires 2015

Geotechnical Synergy in Buenos Aires 2015 PDF Author: A.O. Sfriso
Publisher: IOS Press
ISBN: 1614995990
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 488

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Book Description
In November 2015, Buenos Aires, Argentina became the location of several important events for geo-professionals, with the simultaneous holding of the 15th Pan-American Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (XV PCSMGE), the 8th South American Congress on Rock Mechanics (SCRM) and the 6th International Symposium on Deformation Characteristics of Geomaterials, as well as the 22nd Argentinean Congress of Geotechnical Engineering (CAMSIGXXII). This synergy brought together international experts, researchers, academics, professionals and geo-engineering companies in a unique opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss current and future practices in the areas of soil mechanics and rock mechanics, and their applications in civil, energy, environmental, and mining engineering. This book presents the invited lectures of the 15th Pan-American Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (XV PCSMGE) and the 8th South American Congress on Rock Mechanics (SCRM). It includes the Casagrande Lecture delivered by Luis Valenzuela and 21 Plenary, Keynote and Panelist Lectures from these two Buenos Aires conferences.

Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical Coupling in Fractured Rock

Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical Coupling in Fractured Rock PDF Author: Hans-Joachim Kümpel
Publisher: Birkhäuser
ISBN: 3034880839
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 355

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Book Description
(4). The next three papers extend these views by taking a closer look on parameters that govern hydraulic diffusivity in sandstones and other types of rocks. Specific targets addressed are the influence of differential stress on permeability (5), imaging of the fracture geometry (6), and pressure induced variations in the pore geometry (7). Contributions no. 8 to 10 cover investigations of permeability-porosity relationships during rock evolution (8), of the formation, propagation, and roughness of fractures in a plexi-glass block (9), and pressure oscillation effects of two-phase flow under controlled conditions (10). The subsequent four articles focus on diverse modeling approaches. Issues considered are how the geometry and the mechanical behavior of fractures can be characterized by mathematical expressions (11), how the evolution of permeability in a microcracking rock can be expressed by an analytical model (12), deviations from the cubic law for a fracture of varying aperture (13), and the numerical simulation of scale effects in flow through fractures (14). Three further papers refer to in situ observations, being related to topics as the assessment of in situ permeability from the spatio temporal distribution of an aftershock sequence (15), to the scale dependence of hydraulic pathways in crystalline rock (16), and to the significance of pore pressure - stress coupling in deep tunnels and galleries (17).

Coupled Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical Processes of Fractured Media

Coupled Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical Processes of Fractured Media PDF Author: O. Stephanson
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0080542859
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 597

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Book Description
This work brings together the results, information and data that emerged from an international cooperative project, DECOVALEX, 1992-1995. This project was concerned with the mathematical and experimental studies of coupled thermo(T) -hydro(H) -mechanical(M) processes in fractured media related to radioactive waste disposal. The book presents, for the first time, the systematic formulation of mathematical models of the coupled T-H-M processes of fractured media, their validation against theoretical bench-mark tests, and experimental studies at both laboratory and field scales. It also presents, for the first time, a comprehensive analysis of continuum, and discrete approaches to the study of the problems of (as well as a complete description of), the computer codes applied to the studies. The first two chapters provide a conceptual introduction to the coupled T-H-M processes in fractured media and the DECOVALEX project. The next seven chapters give a state-of-the-art survey of the constitutive models of rock fractures and formulation of coupled T-H-M phenomena with continuum and discontinuum approaches, and associated numerical methods. A study on the three generic Bench-Mark Test problems and six Test Case problems of laboratory and field experiments are reported in chapters 10 to 18. Chapter 19 contains lessons learned during the project. The research contained in this book will be valuable for designers, practising engineers and national waste management officials who are concerned with planning, design and performance, and safety assessments of radioactive waste repositories. Researchers and postgraduate students working in this field will also find the book of particular relevance.

Thermo-hydro-mechanical Analysis of Fractures and Wellbores in Petroleum/Geothermal Reservoirs

Thermo-hydro-mechanical Analysis of Fractures and Wellbores in Petroleum/Geothermal Reservoirs PDF Author: Mohammadreza Safariforoshani
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
The thesis considers three-dimensional analyses of fractures and wellbores in low-permeability petroleum/geothermal reservoirs, with a special emphasis on the role of coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical processes. Thermoporoelastic displacement discontinuity and stress discontinuity methods are elaborated for infinite media. Furthermore, injection/production-induced mass and heat transport inside fractures are studied by coupling the displacement discontinuity method with the finite element method. The resulting method is then used to simulate problems of interest in wellbores and fractures for related to drilling and stimulation. In the examination of fracture deformation, the nonlinear behavior of discontinuities and the change in status from joint (hydraulically open, mechanically closed) to hydraulic fracture (hydraulically open, mechanically open) are taken into account. Examples are presented to highlight the versatility of the method and the role of thermal and hydraulic effects, three-dimensionality, hydraulic/natural fracture deformation, and induced micro earthquakes. Specifically, injection/extraction operations in enhanced geothermal reservoirs and hydraulic/thermal stimulation of fractured reservoirs are studied and analyzed with reference to induced seismicity. In addition, the fictitious stress method is used to study three-dimensional wellbore stresses in the presence of a weakness plane. It is shown that the coupling of hydro-thermo-mechanical processes plays a very important role in low-permeability reservoirs and should be considered when predicting the behavior of fractures and wellbores. The electronic version of this dissertation is accessible from http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/151272

Numerical Modeling of Hydraulic Fracture Propagation Using Thermo-hydro-mechanical Analysis with Brittle Damage Model by Finite Element Method

Numerical Modeling of Hydraulic Fracture Propagation Using Thermo-hydro-mechanical Analysis with Brittle Damage Model by Finite Element Method PDF Author: Kyoung Min
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
Better understanding and control of crack growth direction during hydraulic fracturing are essential for enhancing productivity of geothermal and petroleum reservoirs. Structural analysis of fracture propagation and impact on fluid flow is a challenging issue because of the complexity of rock properties and physical aspects of rock failure and fracture growth. Realistic interpretation of the complex interactions between rock deformation, fluid flow, heat transfer, and fracture propagation induced by fluid injection is important for fracture network design. In this work, numerical models are developed to simulate rock failure and hydraulic fracture propagation. The influences of rock deformation, fluid flow, and heat transfer on fracturing processes are studied using a coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) analysis. The models are used to simulate microscopic and macroscopic fracture behaviors of laboratory-scale uniaxial and triaxial experiments on rock using an elastic/brittle damage model considering a stochastic heterogeneity distribution. The constitutive modeling by the energy release rate-based damage evolution allows characterizing brittle rock failure and strength degradation. This approach is then used to simulate the sequential process of heterogeneous rock failures from the initiation of microcracks to the growth of macrocracks. The hydraulic fracturing path, especially for fractures emanating from inclined wellbores and closed natural fractures, often involves mixed mode fracture propagation. Especially, when the fracture is inclined in a 3D stress field, the propagation cannot be modeled using 2D fracture models. Hence, 2D/3D mixed-modes fracture growth from an initially embedded circular crack is studied using the damage mechanics approach implemented in a finite element method. As a practical problem, hydraulic fracturing stimulation often involves fluid pressure change caused by injected fracturing fluid, fluid leakoff, and fracture propagation with brittle rock behavior and stress heterogeneities. In this dissertation, hydraulic fracture propagation is simulated using a coupled fluid flow/diffusion and rock deformation analysis. Later THM analysis is also carried out. The hydraulic forces in extended fractures are solved using a lubrication equation. Using a new moving-boundary element partition methodology (EPM), fracture propagation through heterogeneous media is predicted simply and efficiently. The method allows coupling fluid flow and rock deformation, and fracture propagation using the lubrication equation to solve for the fluid pressure through newly propagating crack paths. Using the proposed model, the 2D/3D hydraulic fracturing simulations are performed to investigate the role of material and rock heterogeneity. Furthermore, in geothermal and petroleum reservoir design, engineers can take advantage of thermal fracturing that occurs when heat transfers between injected flow and the rock matrix to create reservoir permeability. These thermal stresses are calculated using coupled THM analysis and their influence on crack propagation during reservoir stimulation are investigated using damage mechanics and thermal loading algorithms for newly fractured surfaces. The electronic version of this dissertation is accessible from http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/150961

Three-Dimensional Crack Problems

Three-Dimensional Crack Problems PDF Author: M.K. Kassir
Publisher: Springer
ISBN:
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 516

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Book Description


Extended Finite Element Method

Extended Finite Element Method PDF Author: Amir R. Khoei
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118457684
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 600

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Book Description
Introduces the theory and applications of the extended finite element method (XFEM) in the linear and nonlinear problems of continua, structures and geomechanics Explores the concept of partition of unity, various enrichment functions, and fundamentals of XFEM formulation. Covers numerous applications of XFEM including fracture mechanics, large deformation, plasticity, multiphase flow, hydraulic fracturing and contact problems Accompanied by a website hosting source code and examples

The Combined Finite-Discrete Element Method

The Combined Finite-Discrete Element Method PDF Author: Antonio A. Munjiza
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0470020172
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 348

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Book Description
The combined finite discrete element method is a relatively new computational tool aimed at problems involving static and / or dynamic behaviour of systems involving a large number of solid deformable bodies. Such problems include fragmentation using explosives (e.g rock blasting), impacts, demolition (collapsing buildings), blast loads, digging and loading processes, and powder technology. The combined finite-discrete element method - a natural extension of both discrete and finite element methods - allows researchers to model problems involving the deformability of either one solid body, a large number of bodies, or a solid body which fragments (e.g. in rock blasting applications a more or less intact rock mass is transformed into a pile of solid rock fragments of different sizes, which interact with each other). The topic is gaining in importance, and is at the forefront of some of the current efforts in computational modeling of the failure of solids. * Accompanying source codes plus input and output files available on the Internet * Important applications such as mining engineering, rock blasting and petroleum engineering * Includes practical examples of applications areas Essential reading for postgraduates, researchers and software engineers working in mechanical engineering.

Rock Fractures and Fluid Flow

Rock Fractures and Fluid Flow PDF Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309049962
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 568

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Book Description
Scientific understanding of fluid flow in rock fracturesâ€"a process underlying contemporary earth science problems from the search for petroleum to the controversy over nuclear waste storageâ€"has grown significantly in the past 20 years. This volume presents a comprehensive report on the state of the field, with an interdisciplinary viewpoint, case studies of fracture sites, illustrations, conclusions, and research recommendations. The book addresses these questions: How can fractures that are significant hydraulic conductors be identified, located, and characterized? How do flow and transport occur in fracture systems? How can changes in fracture systems be predicted and controlled? Among other topics, the committee provides a geomechanical understanding of fracture formation, reviews methods for detecting subsurface fractures, and looks at the use of hydraulic and tracer tests to investigate fluid flow. The volume examines the state of conceptual and mathematical modeling, and it provides a useful framework for understanding the complexity of fracture changes that occur during fluid pumping and other engineering practices. With a practical and multidisciplinary outlook, this volume will be welcomed by geologists, petroleum geologists, geoengineers, geophysicists, hydrologists, researchers, educators and students in these fields, and public officials involved in geological projects.