A Data Analytics Framework for Cored Fracture Imaging and NovelCharacterization Workflow-Application on Samples from HydraulicFracturing Test Site HFTS in the Midland Basin

摘要

In this paper,we introduce a novel fracture imaging method which uses high resolution 3D laser scanningto develop detailed surface maps of the core fracture faces.The digital maps are then used to analyzefracture surface characteristics wherein observed variations provide us with meaningful insights into thefractures.We share a mathematical approach for roughness evaluation to identify morphological propertiesfor individual fractures within rock samples.The approach is tested on core extracted at the HydraulicFracturing Test Site(HFTS-1)in the Permian Basin.We characterize the roughness variations with depthacross the cored section.In addition,we compare results obtained previously from core sampling andanalysis to demonstrate that proppant entrapment observed within the cored interval is strongly correlatedwith the changes in fracture morphology.We also use calculated roughness along with the the changingbehavior of roughness radially away from the center of fracture faces to predict roughness”types”such aspropagational features or textural roughness characteristics.Based on the specific fracture characterization work shared here as well as other potential uses,our paperhighlights significant advantages such scanning and digital imaging of fractures may have over traditionalcataloging using photographic imaging.Furthermore,as demonstrated in this study,data sampled from thesedetailed maps can be used to further characterize and analyze these features in a more systematic and robustmanner when compared with the more traditional geological analysis of cores.