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Experimental Study of Fracture Initiation and Morphology in Low-Brittle Shales with Bedding Planes subjected to LN Fracturing

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Abstract

Liquid nitrogen (LN) can deteriorate rock structure and mechanical properties. It is an effective method for engineering applications in deep resource exploitation. For the first time, this work explored LN fracturing performances in low-brittle shales with bedding planes under true triaxial-confining stresses via a LN fracturing device. Microcracks and matrix structures were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Compared with hydraulic fracturing, LN fracturing can significantly lower fracture initiation pressure and promote fracture propagation. LN can thermally induce bedding planes and secondary pores around the borehole in low brittle shale, significantly deteriorating shale structure. Pre-existing fractures and bedding seams with graptolites and pyrite minerals are more likely to be activated by LN freezing. The increase in the differential stress ratio does not reduce fracture complexity. Curved cracks, branched cracks, and bedding planes can be thermally induced around the borehole, and the aperture is micro-level. The longer the bare hole, the more thermally induced microcracks around the borehole and the more complex macro fractures. Additionally, LN pretreatment can effectively lower fracture initiation pressure.

Highlights

  • LN fracturing performance was tested in low brittle shales under true triaxial-confining stresses.

  • LN fracturing can significantly lower fracture breakdown pressure and activate bedding planes and natural fractures in low-brittle shale formations.

  • LN pretreatment is crucial to deteriorate low-brittle shale.

  • The longer the bare hole, the more complex macro fractures are generated.

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The data underlying this article are available in the article and in itsonline supplementary material.

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Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful for the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 52274035).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing, 401331, China

    Hai Qu, Zhelun Li, Chengying Li, Xu Liu, Zhijun Zeng, Yang Xu & Ying Liu

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  1. Hai Qu
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  2. Zhelun Li
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  3. Chengying Li
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  4. Xu Liu
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  5. Zhijun Zeng
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  6. Yang Xu
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Correspondence to Hai Qu or Xu Liu.

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Qu, H., Li, Z., Li, C. et al. Experimental Study of Fracture Initiation and Morphology in Low-Brittle Shales with Bedding Planes subjected to LN Fracturing. Rock Mech Rock Eng 56, 6299–6319 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-023-03407-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-023-03407-y

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