Fundamental investigation of gas injection in microfluidic shale fracture networks at geologic conditions

M. L. Porter, J. Jiménez-Martinez, J. W. Carey, H. Viswanathan, F. Mody, J. Sheng

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

We present a unique microfluidics experimental system that uses geo-material (rock) micromodels and accommodates pressures and temperatures that are encountered in many fossil fuel operations. This system allows us to investigate a wide variety of fluid flow, transport, and chemistry processes that cannot be addressed with experiments at ambient conditions using typical micromodel materials (e.g., glass, silicon). We describe the experimental system in detail, including our versatile micromodel fabrication method that works for a variety of geo- and engineered materials. We present a shale fracture-matrix interaction experiment that shows the importance of imbibition in these systems. Additionally, we present a series of immiscible displacement experiments conducted in shale and glass involving supercritical-CO2 and water. The experiments and discussion highlight the advantages of using rock micromodels for applications involving fossil fuel operations.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication49th US Rock Mechanics / Geomechanics Symposium 2015
PublisherAmerican Rock Mechanics Association (ARMA)
Pages1793-1799
Number of pages7
ISBN (Electronic)9781510810518
StatePublished - 2015
Event49th US Rock Mechanics / Geomechanics Symposium - San Francisco, United States
Duration: Jun 29 2015Jul 1 2015

Publication series

Name49th US Rock Mechanics / Geomechanics Symposium 2015
Volume3

Conference

Conference49th US Rock Mechanics / Geomechanics Symposium
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Francisco
Period06/29/1507/1/15

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