Response of coal rock apparent resistivity to hydraulic fracturing process

Abstract

In order to explore the comprehensive evaluation means of the extent of hydraulic fracturing region in coal seams, we analyzed the feasibility of detecting the response of coal rock direct current (DC) apparent resistivity to hydraulic-fracturing using Archie\'s theory, and conducted experimental researches on the response of DC resistivity in the hydraulic fracturing process using small-scale coal rock samples. The results show that porosity and water saturation are the two factors affecting the apparent resistivity of coal rock while hydraulic fracturing. Water has a dominant effect on the apparent resistivity of coal rock samples. The apparent resistivity in the area where water flows through is reduced more than 50%, which can be considered as a core affect region of hydraulic fracturing. Stress indirectly impacts the apparent resistivity by changing porosity. Before hydraulic fracturing, the greater axial load applied, the more serious the rupture in the samples, resulting in the greater apparent resistivity. Apparent resistivity testing is a potential regional method to evaluate the influence range of hydraulic fracturing in coal seams.