Fracture-Induced Permeability in Whitby Mudstone
Maartje Houben, Jasmijn C. M. van Eeden, Auke Barnhoorn, Suzanne Hangx
Abstract
), representative of many gas shales and caprocks present in Europe. Artificial fracturing of this shale increases its permeability by 2-5 orders of magnitude at low confining pressure (5 MPa). At high confining pressures (30 MPa), permeability changes were more sensitive to the measuring direction with respect to the bedding orientation. Given the distinct lack of well-defined damage zones, most of the permeability increase is controlled by fracture permeability, which is sensitive to the coupled hydro-chemo-mechanical response of the fractures to fluids.
Topics & Concepts
Permeability (electromagnetism)GeologyBeddingOil shaleBedPorosityMineralogyOverburden pressureGeotechnical engineeringPetrologyAnisotropyChemistryPhysicsMembranePaleontologyBiologyQuantum mechanicsBiochemistryHorticultureHydrocarbon exploration and reservoir analysisHydraulic Fracturing and Reservoir AnalysisCoal Properties and Utilization