3D reconstruction of low-permeability heterogeneousglutenites and numerical simulation of hydraulic fracturing behavior
2015
Based on microfocus computed tomography ( μ CT) imaging and X-ray diffraction techniques, a three-dimensional
(3D) reconstruction model for heterogeneous glutenites was established
by taking into account the mineral compositions and distribution characteristics
of gravel particles. We employed the continuum-based discrete element
method (CDEM) to simulate and analyze the initiation and propagation
behavior of hydrofracturing cracks of heterogeneous glutenites subjected
to various horizontal geostresses. The influences of various horizontal
stress ratios and the characteristics of gravel particles on the initiation,
growth, geometry, and spatial distribution of hydrofracturing cracks
in heterogeneous glutenites were evaluated by comparing the properties
of fractures with the simulation results of homogeneous sandstones.
Additionally, we conducted a series of hydrofracturing experiments
with physical models of the heterogeneous glutenites and homogeneous
sandstones and compared the experimental data to the simulation results.
Findings showed that the heterogeneity of glutenites significantly
affects the hydrofracturing crack initiation and growth behavior.
For identical geostress, the initiation pressure for hydrofracturing
of heterogeneous glutenites was lower than that of homogeneous sandstones.
The difference in initiation pressure between the heterogeneous glutenites
and homogenous sandstones gradually decreased with an increase in
the horizontal stress ratio, but overall, the change in the horizontal
stress ratio had little effect on the initiation pressure for hydrofracturing
of heterogeneous glutenites. The data from this investigation also
indicate that for both heterogeneous glutenites and homogeneous sandstones,
changes in the horizontal stress ratio can have an apparent impact
on the spatial distribution and morphology of hydrofracturing cracks.
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