Abstract
AbstractUnderstanding the controlling mechanisms underlying injection‐induced seismicity is important for optimizing reservoir productivity and addressing seismicity‐related concerns related to hydraulic stimulation in Enhanced Geothermal Systems. Hydraulic stimulation enhances permeability through elevated pressures, which cause normal deformations and the shear slip of preexisting fractures. Previous experiments indicate that fracture deformation in the normal direction reverses as the pressure decreases, e.g., at the end of stimulation. We hypothesize that this normal closure of fractures enhances pressure propagation away from the injection region and significantly increases the potential for postinjection seismicity. To test this hypothesis, hydraulic stimulation is modeled by numerically coupling flow in the fractures and matrix, fracture deformation, and matrix deformation for a synthetic reservoir in which the flow and mechanics are strongly affected by a complex three‐dimensional fracture network. The role of the normal closure of fractures is verified by comparing simulations conducted with and without the normal closure effect.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
