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Geochemical Modelling of the Fracturing Fluid Transport in Shale Reservoirs

Author

Listed:
  • Mohamed Mehana

    (Computational Earth Science Group, Los Alamos National Lab, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA)

  • Fangxuan Chen

    (Department of Petroleum Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 78412, USA)

  • Mashhad Fahes

    (Department of Petroleum Engineering, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA)

  • Qinjun Kang

    (Computational Earth Science Group, Los Alamos National Lab, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA)

  • Hari Viswanathan

    (Computational Earth Science Group, Los Alamos National Lab, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA)

Abstract

Field operations report that at least half of the fracturing fluid used in shale reservoirs is trapped. These trapped fluids can trigger various geochemical interactions. However, the impact of these interactions on well performance is still elusive. We modeled a hydraulic fracture stage where we simulated the initial conditions by injecting the fracturing fluid and shutting the well to allow the fluids to soak into the formation. Our results suggest a positive correlation between the dissolution and precipitation rates and the carbonate content of the rock. In addition, we observed that gas and load recovery are overestimated when geochemical interactions are overlooked. We also observed promising results for sea water as a good alternative fracturing fluid. Moreover, we observed better performance for cases with lower-saline connate water. The reactions of carbonates outweigh the reactions of clays in most cases. Sensitivity analysis suggests that the concentration of SO 4 , K and Na ions in the fracturing fluid, and the illite and calcite mineral content, along with the reservoir temperature, are the key factors affecting well performance. In conclusion, geochemical interactions should be considered for properly modeling the fate of the fracturing fluids and their impact on well performance.

Suggested Citation

  • Mohamed Mehana & Fangxuan Chen & Mashhad Fahes & Qinjun Kang & Hari Viswanathan, 2022. "Geochemical Modelling of the Fracturing Fluid Transport in Shale Reservoirs," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(22), pages 1-13, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:15:y:2022:i:22:p:8557-:d:973871
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Jiajia Bai & Guoqing Wang & Qingjie Zhu & Lei Tao & Wenyang Shi, 2022. "Investigation on Flowback Behavior of Imbibition Fracturing Fluid in Gas–Shale Multiscale Pore Structure," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(20), pages 1-16, October.
    2. Middleton, Richard S. & Gupta, Rajan & Hyman, Jeffrey D. & Viswanathan, Hari S., 2017. "The shale gas revolution: Barriers, sustainability, and emerging opportunities," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 199(C), pages 88-95.
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