Investigation of effects of fracturing fluid on hydraulic fracturing and fracture permeability of reservoir rocks: An experimental study using water and foam fracturing

Abstract

Hydraulic fracturing is a promising technique to enhance gas production from deep geological formations by enhancing reservoir rock permeability. However, permeability enhancement may vary with reservoir conditions and fracturing fluid. The main objective of this study is to investigate the effect of fracturing fluid on the fracture pattern and permeability of fractured rock. Fracturing experiments were conducted on siltstone specimens with water and foam (N2 + water) as the fracturing fluids, using a high-pressure triaxial apparatus. CT scanning and 3-D scanning technology were used to examine the fracture pattern and the fracture surface of the fractured specimens. The fractured specimens ..