Abstract
The scratch test is a non-destructive method made up of pushing a tool across the surface of a weaker rock at a given penetration depth. The uniaxial rock strength (UCS), fracture toughness (KIC), and other geomechanical parameters influences how fracture nucleates, but fracture sizes and geometry adopted in hydraulic fracture design and modeling are most often overestimated. Although several researchers have attempted to evaluate UCS, KICand other geomechanical properties in conventional and unconventional formations through scratch testing method, but there remain differing opinions on the fundamental approach and principles to be adopted in estimating those properties. Therefore, the evaluation of geomechanical parameters and their effect on hydrocarbon exploration, energy storage, and hydrocarbon exploitation remain an important issue for energy industry. In this paper, we present a comprehensive review of the methods of approach, applications, and the mechanics of rock scratching. We show the merits of scratch test over other methods of estimating rock mechanical properties. Our review focuses on over 50 previous experimental studies using scratch tests in the past few decades to investigate UCS, KICand other geomechanical properties, including their impact on rock failure, fracture initiation and propagation. Finally, we highlight the fundamental research questions that are yet to be addressed. We envisage that advancement in our knowledge will improve optimization of hydrocarbon exploitation, energy storage, and field-scale modeling for energy production operations.
Highlights
The scratch test is a quasi-non-destructive method made up of pushing a tool across the surface of a weaker rock and tracing the groove at a given penetration depth
We further provided recommendations for future research to address the identified outstanding problems related the use of scratch test method to estimate geomechanical properties for improved hydrocarbon exploitation and production
It can be conducted on any dimension of rock, as the results are not affected by the core sample geometry
Summary
The scratch test is a quasi-non-destructive method made up of pushing a tool across the surface of a weaker rock and tracing the groove at a given penetration depth. In the optimization of hydrocarbon exploitation, hydraulic fracturing has proven to be one of the most efficient methods [1, 2]. We discussed and summarized the key findings regarding the use of scratch testing method to estimate rock strength and other geomechanical properties over the past few decades. We further provided recommendations for future research to address the identified outstanding problems related the use of scratch test method to estimate geomechanical properties for improved hydrocarbon exploitation and production
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