Investigation of directional hydraulic fracturing based on true tri-axial experiment and finite element modeling

The initiation and propagation of directional hydraulic fracturing (DHF) was investigated based on true tri-axial experiment and finite element modeling. The influences of notch angle, notch length and injection rate on the DHF were investigated. The initiation and propagation of DHF was modeled by a 3D nonlinear finite element method. A comparison between experimental investigation and numerical modeling results indicates that there is a good correlation between unbalanced force (UF) and fracturing. UF can be used to predict the hydraulic fracture initiation and propagation.     

Biogenic processes in crystalline bedrock fractures indicated by carbon isotope signatures of secondary calcite

Variation in ¹³C/¹²C-isotope ratios of fracture filling calcite was analyzed in situ to investigate carbon sources and cycling in fractured bedrock. The study was conducted by separating sections of fracture fillings, and analyzing the ¹³C/¹²C-ratios with secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). Specifically, the study was aimed at fillings where previously published sulfur isotope data indicated the occurrence of bacterial sulfate reduction. The results showed that the δ¹³C values of calcite were highly variable, ranging from −53.8‰ to +31.6‰ (VPDB). The analysis also showed high variations within single fillings of up to 39‰. The analyzed calcite fillings were mostly associated with two calcite groups, of which Group 3 represents possible Paleozoic fluid circulation, based on comparison with similar dated coatings within the Baltic Shield and the succeeding Group 1–2 fillings represent late-stage, low temperature mineralization and are possibly late Paleozoic to Quaternary in age. Both generations were associated with pyrite with δ³⁴S values indicative of bacterial sulfate reduction. The δ¹³C values of calcite, however, were indicative of geochemical environments which were distinct for these generations. The δ¹³C values of Group 3 calcite varied from −22.1‰ to +11‰, with a distinct peak at −16‰ to −12‰. Furthermore, there were no observable depth dependent trends in the δ¹³C values of Group 3 calcite. The δ¹³C values of Group 3 calcite were indicative of organic matter degradation and methanogenesis. In contrast to the Group 3 fillings, the δ¹³C values of Group 1–2 calcite were highly variable, ranging from −53.8‰ to +31.6‰ and they showed systematic variation with depth. The near surface environment of <30 m (bsl) was characterized by δ¹³C values indicative of degradation of surface derived organic matter, with δ¹³C values ranging from −30.3‰ to −5.5‰. The intermediate depth of 34–54 m showed evidence of localized methanotrophic activity seen as anomalously ¹³C depleted calcite, having δ¹³C values as low as −53.8‰. At depths of ∼60–400 m, positive δ¹³C values of up to +31.6‰ in late-stage calcite of Group 1–2 indicated methanogenesis. In comparison, high CH₄ concentrations in present day groundwaters are found at depths of >300 m. One sample at a depth of 111 m showed a transition from methanogenetic conditions (calcite bearing methanogenetic signature) to sulfate reducing (precipitation of pyrite on calcite surface), however, the timing of this transition is so far unclear. The results from this study gives indications of the complex nature of sulfur and carbon cycling in fractured crystalline environments and highlights the usefulness of in situ stable isotope analysis.     

Using Geomechanical Method to Predict Tectonic Fractures in Low-Permeability Sandstone Reservoirs

Understanding and interpreting the timing, location, orientation, and intensity of natural fractures within a geological structure are commonly important to both exploration and production planning activities of low-porosity and low-permeability carbonate reservoirs. In this study, we explore the application of comprehensive geomechanical methods to quantitatively characterize the fracture parameters based on Strain Energy Density Theory, such as linear fracture density and volume fracture density. This study approach is based on the idea that energy generated by tectonic stress on brittle sandstone,which can be distinguished fracture surface energy, friction energy dissipation and residual strain energy and natural fractures can be interpreted or inferred from geomechanical-model-derived strains. For this analysis, we model an extension and compression compound fault block developed in a mechanically stratified sandstone and shale sequence because mechanics experimental data and drilling data exist that can be directly compared with model results.However, the results show that the approach and our study conclusion are independent of the specified structural geometry, which can correlate fracture parameters in different stages with different tectonic activities, and finally build and visualize fracture networks in sandstone. The presence or absence of filling minerals in fractures is shown to strongly control the destruction and transformation of low-permeability sandstone, and this control possesses crucial implications for interpreting fracture aperture and reservoir flow simulation.     

Fracture characteristics in Cretaceous platform and overlying ramp carbonates: An outcrop study from Maiella Mountain (central Italy)

This article focuses on field- and laboratory-based characterization of vertically persistent fractures that are part of oblique-slip normal fault zones and crosscut the Cretaceous platform and overlaying ramp carbonates outcropping at Maiella Mountain (central Italy). The achieved results show that: (i) fault damage zones are wider and more densely fractured in the platform carbonates than in the ramp ones; (ii) joints and sheared joints composing the fault damage zones are taller, better connected and less spaced within the former rocks than in the ramp carbonates. The aforementioned structural differences are interpreted to be a consequence of the different mechanical properties of the platform and ramp carbonates during failure. At Maiella Mountain, platform carbonates are, indeed, made up of overall stiffer (higher Uniaxial Compressive Strength values) and less porous rocks, due to more abundant intergranular void-filling cement and presence of matrix.In terms of hydrocarbon flow and recovery, geometric and dimensional attributes of fractures suggest that the well-connected network of closely spaced fractures cutting across the platform carbonates may form efficient pathways for both vertical and horizontal hydrocarbon flow. In contrast, the relatively poorly connected and low-density fracture network affecting the ramp carbonates is likely less efficient in providing fairways for flowing hydrocarbons.     

Role of heterogeneities in jointing (fracturing) of geological media: Numerical analysis of fracture mechanisms

Fracture process is investigated using finite-difference simulations with a new constitutive model. It is shown that both geometry and fracture mechanism itself depend on the preexisting heterogeneities that are stress concentrators. In the brittle regime (low pressure, P), Mode-I fractures propagate normal to the least stress σ₃ from the imposed weak zones. At high P, shear deformation bands are formed oblique to σ₃. At intermediate values of P, the fracture process involves both shear banding and tensile cracking and results in the initiation and propagation of pure dilation bands. The propagating band tip undulates, reacting on the failure mechanism changes, but its global orientation is normal to σ₃. The σ₃-normal fractures are joints. There are thus two types of joints resulting from Mode-I cracking and dilation banding, respectively. The obtained numerical results are in good agreement with and explain the results from previous similar experimental study.     

Origin of abundant moonmilk deposits in a subsurface granitic environment

Subsurface granitic environments are scarce and poorly investigated. A multi‐disciplinary approach was used to characterize the abundant moonmilk deposits and associated microbial communities coating the granite walls of the 16th Century Paranhos spring water tunnel in Porto city (north‐west Portugal). It is possible that this study is the first record of moonmilk in an urban subsurface granitic environment. The morphology and texture, mineralogical composition, stable isotope composition and microbial diversity of moonmilk deposits have been studied to infer the processes of moonmilk formation. These whitish secondary mineral deposits are composed of very fine needle‐fibre calcite crystals with different morphologies and density. Calcified filaments of fungal hyphae or bacteria were distinguished by field emission scanning electron microscopy. Stable isotope analysis revealed a meteoric origin of the needle‐fibre calcite, with an important contribution of atmospheric CO ₂, soil respiration and from weathering of Ca‐bearing minerals. The DNA ‐based analyses revealed the presence of micro‐organisms related to urban contamination, including Actinobacteria, mainly represented by Pseudonocardia hispaniensis , Thaumarchaeota and Ascomycota, dominated by Cladosporium . This microbial composition is consistent with groundwater pollution and contamination sources of the overlying urban area, including garages, petrol stations and wastewater pipeline leakage, showing that the Paranhos tunnel is greatly perturbed by anthropogenic activities. Whether the identified micro‐organisms are involved in the formation of the needle‐fibre calcite or not is difficult to demonstrate, but this study evidenced both abiotic and biogenic genesis for the calcite moonmilk in this subsurface granitic environment.     

甘肃省龙首山芨岭铀矿床成矿热液流体特征研究

芨岭铀矿是中国北方最典型的钠交代型铀矿床之一,文章通过对芨岭矿床ZKJ9-4钻孔深部所见含矿蚀变闪长岩、近矿蚀变闪长岩、远矿蚀变闪长岩、闪长岩原岩地球化学特征和组分迁移计算及矿体中心部位的淡粉红色方解石脉流体包裹体特征、均一温度、盐度和激光拉曼光谱研究,认为芨岭钠交代型铀矿床的成矿流体含有大量碳酸铀酰络合物[UO_2(CO_3)_2]~(2–)和[UO_2(CO_3)_2]~(4–)的同时还含有丰富的SiO_2、Na~+、Ca~(2+)、Mg~(2+)、Fe~(2+)、Mn~(2+)、∑REE、U、Th、Ga、Sr、Zr、Ba、Rb、Nb、Mo、Cd、Sn、Hf、Ti、Ta、CO_2、H_2S和CH_4等组分,成矿流体具有较强的还原性,并对MnO、K_2O、Cr和Co具有较强的交代溶蚀作用。成矿流体是起源于岩浆演化晚期的再平衡岩浆水,热液温度为(300±20)℃,盐度为2.99 wt%~4.57 wt%NaCl,密度为0.75~0.77 g/cm~3。流体沸腾是芨岭钠交代型铀矿成矿物质的早期卸载机制,晚期成矿流体中加入了大量的大气降水,流体混合作用进一步促进了成矿物质的卸载。     

滇西勐兴铅锌矿床热液方解石碳氧同位素、稀土元素特征及其指示意义

勐兴铅锌矿床是滇西保山地块内系列低温热液矿床中的典型代表,但地质科研工作相对薄弱。由于方解石是该矿床中分布广泛且与热液活动息息相关的重要脉石矿物,其形成贯穿整个成矿过程,故对其C-O同位素及稀土元素组成特征进行系统研究,以便探讨矿床成矿流体来源及演化。结果显示,该矿床两阶段方解石的δ~(13)C_(PDB)和δ~(18)O_(SMOW)值与海相碳酸盐岩较为接近,且从阶段Ⅰ→阶段Ⅱ呈微弱下降趋势,表明成矿流体中的C主要来源于围岩碳酸盐岩的溶解,阶段Ⅱ成矿流体在与围岩反应之前可能已经发生CO2热液去气作用;阶段Ⅰ方解石的稀土总量、特征参数及配分模式与结晶灰岩较为一致,而阶段Ⅱ方解石与生物碎屑灰岩较为相似,表明阶段Ⅰ方解石中的REE主要来源于结晶灰岩,而后生物碎屑灰岩对阶段Ⅱ方解石中的稀土贡献较大。以上数据及其矿床地质特征均显示该矿床为MVT型铅锌矿床,结合区域构造演化,认为勐兴矿床的形成与中特提斯洋闭合后腾冲地块与保山地块陆陆碰撞挤压密切相关。     

方解石与含硅流体的水-岩反应实验及其对“硅化碳酸盐岩”储层成因的启示

近年来的油气勘探表明, 含硅热液是碳酸盐岩层系中一种重要的溶蚀性流体, 查明其与碳酸盐岩的水-岩反应机理是揭示“硅化碳酸盐岩”储层发育机制并实现储层分布预测的基础和关键问题之一。文章采用熔融毛细硅管和水热反应釜为反应腔,开展了200~375℃范围内方解石和含硅流体的水岩反应实验。利用原位拉曼光谱技术在线描述反应过程中体系组成的变化,对于淬火后的固相样品,则采用扫描电镜—能谱分析进行形貌观测和成分鉴定。首先,查明了含硅流体与方解石脱碳反应发生的温度条件。方解石和含硅流体在275℃以上反应形成CO₂,固相为非硅灰石的钙硅酸盐,其结构有待进一步揭示。该结果表明单纯的硅质组分难以在储层温度条件下与灰岩发生反应;其次,提出高盐度、富CO2流体作用是造成灰岩溶蚀的重要因素;最后, CO₂的存在能够促进硅质（含石英）沉淀。在上述实验认识的基础上,结合前人研究结果探讨了塔里木盆地顺托果勒地区“硅化碳酸盐岩”储层的发育机制。含硅热液沿深大断裂上移,途径震旦系—下奥陶统白云岩层系,其中的硅质组分将与白云石反应形成富镁硅酸盐和CO₂。CO₂是重要的酸性组分,有利于鹰山组碳酸盐的溶蚀和孔隙的保存。流体温度和压力的降低以及CO₂的存在促进了石英沉淀,并形成了大量的石英晶间孔隙。     

地震各向异性——多组裂隙对横波偏振的影响

通过对多分量地震资料的分析,我们发现随着频率的增加横波分裂时差减小.对于深部接收的VSP数据来说快横波的偏振方向保持不变,而对于浅层接收的VSP数据来说偏振方向却存在一个最大可以达到20°的旋转.尽管多尺度随机分布微裂隙岩石物理模型已经成功地模拟并解释了横波分裂时差随频率变化的现象,却不能解释与频率相关的横波分裂.据推测,如果微裂隙的排列方向和大裂隙的排列方向不同,利用低频信息获得的偏振方向将指示裂隙主方向,而利用高频信息获得的偏振方向则指示微裂隙方向.在背景多孔隙介质中存在多组裂隙的情况下,推导出垂直入射条件下横波偏振方向的解析式,给出了系统研究横波在介质中传播的方法.研究结果表明,横波偏振方向会随着频率的变化而变化,并且在入射方位、角度一定的条件下,是裂隙方位和密度的函数,这些认识可能有助于揭示观测到的、依赖频率变化的横波偏振现象.