Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/M001458/1
Shining light on shale: geomechanics and 4D fracture characterization
Grant Award
- Principal Investigator:
- Dr J Mecklenburgh, The University of Manchester, Earth Atmospheric and Env Sciences
- Co-Investigator:
- Professor E Rutter, The University of Manchester, Earth Atmospheric and Env Sciences
- Co-Investigator:
- Professor KG Taylor, The University of Manchester, Earth Atmospheric and Env Sciences
- Co-Investigator:
- Professor P Lee, University College London, Mechanical Engineering
- Grant held at:
- The University of Manchester, Earth Atmospheric and Env Sciences
- Science Area:
- Earth
- Overall Classification:
- Earth
- ENRIs:
- Environmental Risks and Hazards
- Natural Resource Management
- Science Topics:
- Energy - Conventional
- Earth Resources
- Properties Of Earth Materials
- Materials Characterisation
- Abstract:
- The successful development of a shale gas industry in the UK can be aided by improved understanding of the fracture and physical properties of these rocks. The key petrophysical properties that determine how fractures initiate and grow are determined on the scale of flaws in the rock. Laboratory measurements of these properties are essential to successful modelling studies of hydraulic fracture, and hence optimisation of production. In this research a range of innovative technologies will be used including, for the first time, 3D observation and quantification of hydrofracture growth with time inside the rock by means of synchrotron X-ray tomography coupled with location of crack growth events using acoustic emissions. This will show how hydrofractures initiate and develop, the role of pre-existing flaws in their initiation, the amount of fluid pressure required to initiate them, and how their form might be modified to optimize gas production. Interpretation of the results depends on parallel measurements of the strength, friction and resistance to fracture, and also permeability to fluids, because rock strength depends on the extent to which fluids can penetrate their pores. These properties are also affected by the mineralogy, organic content and microstructure of the shale. Therefore we will test several shales with different such characteristics. These properties also determine, in ways yet to be understood, the stability of boreholes. Permeability of shales to gas and liquids is also known to depend on value of the fluid pressure in the pores for a given depth of burial, thus it changes as gas pressure is drawn down by production. Knowledge of this pressure sensitivity is essential for the successful interpretation of well tests, from which gas in place and likely reservoir yield must be estimated. Thus this research will produce results that can impact on a range of aspects of shale gas exploitation.
- NERC Reference:
- NE/M001458/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Standard Grant FEC
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Standard Grant
This grant award has a total value of £582,119
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| DI - Other Costs | Indirect - Indirect Costs | DA - Investigators | DI - Staff | DA - Estate Costs | DA - Other Directly Allocated | DI - T&S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £83,317 | £157,433 | £87,838 | £156,445 | £47,587 | £39,004 | £10,497 |
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