Microscopic study on oil flow efficiency in tight formations after hydraulic fracturing

在加拿大，水力压裂已成功应用于致密油的大规模生产。水力压裂作业后的一个关键问题是如何最大限度地提高后续产油量。本研究将采用微观方法来了解水力压裂后油流的变化。利用阿尔伯塔大学设计和建造的微观模型，我们将探索微观尺度下控制油/压裂液流动行为的机制。由Fusion Technologies Inc.生产的专有压裂液将根据其促进水力压裂后产油量的有效性进行全面评估。研究结果将有助于Fusion公司改进现有压裂液配方，并开发新的压裂液配方。考虑到储量巨大的致密油

Hydraulic fracturing has been successfully applied to facilitate the large-volume production of tight oil in Canada. One critical issue following hydraulic fracturing operation is how to maximize the subsequent oil production. This research will adopt a microscopic approach for understanding how oil flow ensues after the hydraulic fracturing treatments. With the micromodels designed and built at the University of Alberta, we will explore the mechanisms that govern the oil/fracturing-fluid flow behavior at a micro scale. The proprietary fracturing fluids produced by Fusion Technologies Inc. will be comprehensively assessed in terms of their effectiveness in facilitating the oil production after hydraulic fracturing. The research results will help Fusion to improve their existing fracturing fluid recipes as well as develop new ones. Given that vast tight oil