This book starts with a survey for future research
and development of hydraulic fracturing technology.
It was found that reliable hydraulic fracturing
diagnostic technologies were needed. Further
critical review showed that microseismic imaging was
one of the most promising technologies which needed
further development. This problem is attacked with
an integrated approach of analytical solution,
computer coding, numerical modeling and lab testing.
Developing robust algorithms and software for
locating the coordinates of hydraulic fracturing-
induced microseismic events and for simulating the
first motion of the induced waveforms were the
central tasks. In the testing and application of the
software, initiation and propagation characteristics
of asymmetrical hydraulic fractures were
investigated. Along with the experimental
investigation, the petrophysical and geomechanical
properties of a recently discovered tight-gas
formation was systematically characterized, a method
for measuring Mode-I fracture toughness was
upgraded, and the packer influence on the initiation
of asymmetrical fractures was numerically simulated.
and development of hydraulic fracturing technology.
It was found that reliable hydraulic fracturing
diagnostic technologies were needed. Further
critical review showed that microseismic imaging was
one of the most promising technologies which needed
further development. This problem is attacked with
an integrated approach of analytical solution,
computer coding, numerical modeling and lab testing.
Developing robust algorithms and software for
locating the coordinates of hydraulic fracturing-
induced microseismic events and for simulating the
first motion of the induced waveforms were the
central tasks. In the testing and application of the
software, initiation and propagation characteristics
of asymmetrical hydraulic fractures were
investigated. Along with the experimental
investigation, the petrophysical and geomechanical
properties of a recently discovered tight-gas
formation was systematically characterized, a method
for measuring Mode-I fracture toughness was
upgraded, and the packer influence on the initiation
of asymmetrical fractures was numerically simulated.