Imaging Hydraulic Fracturing: Analytical Solution, Numerical Modeling and Lab Testing

This book starts with a survey for future research and development of hydraulic fracturing technology. It was found that reliable hydraulic fracturing diagnostic technologies were needed. Further critical review showed that microseismic imaging was one of the most promising technologies which needed further development. This problem is attacked with an integrated approach of analytical solution, computer coding, numerical modeling and lab testing. Developing robust algorithms and software for locating the coordinates of hydraulic fracturing- induced microseismic events and for simulating the first motion of the induced waveforms were the central tasks. In the testing and application of the software, initiation and propagation characteristics of asymmetrical hydraulic fractures were investigated. Along with the experimental investigation, the petrophysical and geomechanical properties of a recently discovered tight-gas formation was systematically characterized, a method for measuring Mode-I fracture toughness was upgraded, and the packer influence on the initiation of asymmetrical fractures was numerically simulated.