Shale Fracture Simulation Under High-Temperature Convective Heat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current numerical simulation methods for in-situ shale oil development under high-temperature convective heat lack experimental verification and fail to accurately replicate real ground conditions, leading to inconsistencies in fracture propagation predictions.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a data collecting and processing system, a high-temperature thermal fluid generator, and a high-pressure pumping device, along with a shale reaction kettle, is used to simulate shale fracture propagation under realistic reservoir conditions, allowing for real-time monitoring and analysis of temperature, pressure, and fluid injection parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If numerical simulation methods are used to simulate shale fracture propagation, then computational efficiency is improved, but accuracy and reliability deteriorate due to lack of experimental verification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a physical replica system that copies the essential characteristics of real shale reservoirs and fracture propagation processes. By using real shale samples and replicating the thermal fluid injection process in a controlled laboratory environment, the system produces tangible experimental data that validates and refines numerical simulation models, thereby improving prediction accuracy while maintaining computational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary experimental system that bridges the gap between theoretical numerical simulations and actual reservoir conditions. This intermediate platform allows for controlled experimentation with real shale samples under simulated reservoir conditions, providing verified data that improves the reliability of fracture propagation predictions without replacing the efficiency of numerical methods.
2Device complexity
If simplified numerical models are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and manufacturing precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex fracture propagation process into controllable experimental variables and measurable parameters. By dividing the system into distinct components (shale samples, thermal fluid injection system, temperature and pressure control systems), the experiment allows precise measurement of individual parameters while maintaining manageable complexity through systematic control and observation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent systematically varies key parameters such as temperature, pressure, and fluid injection rate to observe their individual and combined effects on fracture propagation. By controlling and measuring these parameters precisely under different conditions, the study achieves high measurement precision while keeping the experimental design through parameter variation rather than system complexity.
3Reliability
If real shale samples are used in laboratory experiments, then reliability is improved through experimental verification, but device complexity and loss of time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-functional experimental system that can accommodate various shale samples and test different thermal fluid injection conditions within a single apparatus framework. The system integrates temperature control, pressure control, fluid injection, and data collection functions into one unified platform, achieving reliable experimental verification while minimizing the complexity increase through functional integration.
4Productivity
If high-temperature thermal fluid injection is used, then productivity is improved through enhanced oil recovery, but harmful factors increase due to thermal stress and fracture propagation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful thermal stress and fracture propagation effects into beneficial outcomes by controlling the injection parameters to create desired fracture networks that enhance oil recovery. The experimental system allows observation of how thermal stress naturally propagates fractures in real shale samples, and this information is used to optimize injection conditions that turn the previously harmful thermal stress into a useful mechanism for creating productive fracture pathways.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables precise simulation and analysis of shale fracture propagation under high-temperature, high-pressure conditions, providing valuable insights for optimizing heating parameters and enhancing shale oil recovery processes.
Implementation Method 1
high temperature convective heat
Implementation Method 2
high-temperature thermal fluid generator
Implementation Method 3
high-pressure pumping device
Implementation Method 4
thermal fluid injection pressure
Implementation Method 5
thermal fluid convective heating
Implementation Method 6
convert the unconverted organic matter kerogen into light oil and natural gas
Implementation Method 7
constant monitoring of the reactor temperature, heating rate, triaxial confining pressure, thermal fluid injection pressure
Implementation Method 8
triaxial confining pressure, thermal fluid injection pressure
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to the technical field of in-situ development of shale oil resources and consists of a device and technique for simulating the propagation of shale fractures under the influence of high-temperature convective heat. The apparatus is comprised of a data collecting and processing system, a high-temperature thermal fluid generator, a high-pressure pumping device, and a shale reactor. The thermal fluid generator for high temperatures consists of a fluid generator, a temperature controller, and a pressure controller. The shale, reaction kettle consists of an outer chamber, an outer chamber lid, a scaled rock cavity, and a shale sample. The outer cavity cover of the reactor is fitted with a simulated wellbore, the bottom end of the simulated wellbore penetrates the inner cavity cover and extends to the interior of the shale sample, and the top of the simulated wellbore is connected to a high-pressure constant-speed injection pump.