MASSIVE HYDRAULIC FRACTURING:IDENTIFICATION OF CRITICAL TECHNICAL ISSUES FOR APPLICATION IN INCREASING GAS PRODUCTION IN THE WESTERN UNITED STATES

摘要

Massive hydraulic fracturing has been shown in a Federal Power Commission study to be at least as effective as nuclear explosives for stimulating the tight gas reservoirs in the Western United States. A survey of the literature and visits to the petroleum stimulation groups of several of the major petroleum com¬panies and petroleum service companies have indicated problem areas in the process where research is required. This research, if pursued, can provide information and understanding which can assist in the application of massive hydraulic fracturing for stimulation of the tight gas reservoirs. A program which addresses the fracturing phenomena, the effects of lithology, the fluid flow in the fracture, the porous flow in the surrounding rock, and interpretation is specified. Theoretical analyses required by the program will be performed by solving the governing continuum equations by utilizing numerical techniques.