Numerical and Experimental Studies of Coupled THM Processes in Fractured Tight Rocks

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

1-1-2023

Abstract

Several researchers address the question of the validity of coupled thermal, hydraulics, and mechanical (THM) simulation results by comparing them to published experimental data. However, the initial and boundary conditions of these experimental studies are typically not fully understood by the users of these results, leading to misleading assumptions in the simulation models. To address these gaps in the study of THM processes, we present an experimental and high-resolution, fully dimensional numerical study of THM processes in tight rocks with stochastic fractures in 3D. The idea is to provide experimental data and reference solutions for subsequent work on multiscale fracture modeling in tight rocks. The performance of these studies at high pressures, temperatures, and stresses makes the results representative of subsurface conditions in fractured tight rocks such as enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) and unconventional oil and gas (UOG) reservoirs. The quantification of the mechanical deformation of these rocks in response to pressure and temperature changes during production is essential for the safe development of these tight rocks.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

57th US Rock Mechanics/Geomechanics Symposium

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