Effect of fracture fluid flowback on shale microfractures using CT scanning

The field data of shale fracturing demonstrate that the flowback performance of fracturing fluid is different from that of conventional reservoirs,where the flowback rate of shale fracturing fluid is lower than that of conventional reservoirs.At the early stage of flowback,there is no single-phase flow of the liquid phase in shale,but rather a gas-water two-phase flow,such that the single-phase flow model for tight oil and gas reservoirs is not applicable.In this study,pores and microfractures are extracted based on the experimental results of computed tomography(CT)scanning,and a spatial model of microfractures is established.Then,the influence of rough microfracture surfaces on the flow is corrected using the modified cubic law,which was modified by introducing the average deviation of the microfracture height as a roughness factor to consider the influence of microfracture surface roughness.The flow in the fracture network is simulated using the modified cubic law and the lattice Boltzmann method(LBM).The results obtained demonstrate that most of the fracturing fluid is retained in the shale microfractures,which explains the low fracturing fluid flowback rate in shale hydraulic fracturing.

Does progress in microfracture techniques necessarily translate into clinical effectiveness?

BACKGROUND Multitudinous advancements have been made to the traditional microfracture(MFx)technique,which have involved delivery of various acellular 2nd generation MFx and cellular MFx-III components to the area of cartilage defect.The relative benefits and pitfalls of these diverse modifications of MFx technique are still not widely understood.AIM To comparatively analyze the functional,radiological,and histological outcomes,and complications of various generations of MFx available for the treatment of cartilage defects.METHODS A systematic review was performed using PubMed,EMBASE,Web of Science,Cochrane,and Scopus.Patients of any age and sex with cartilage defects undergoing any form of MFx were considered for analysis.We included only randomized controlled trials(RCTs)reporting functional,radiological,histological outcomes or complications of various generations of MFx for the management of cartilage defects.Network meta-analysis(NMA)was conducted in Stata and Cochrane’s Confidence in NMA approach was utilized for appraisal of evidence.RESULTS Forty-four RCTs were included in the analysis with patients of mean age of 39.40(±9.46)years.Upon comparing the results of the other generations with MFX-I as a constant comparator,we noted a trend towards better pain control and functional outcome(KOOS,IKDC,and Cincinnati scores)at the end of 1-,2-,and 5-year time points with MFx-III,although the differences were not statistically significant(P>0.05).We also noted statistically significant Magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue score in the higher generations of microfracture(weighted mean difference:17.44,95%confidence interval:0.72,34.16,P=0.025;without significant heterogeneity)at 1 year.However,the difference was not maintained at 2 years.There was a trend towards better defect filling on MRI with the second and third generation MFx,although the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).CONCLUSION The higher generations of traditional MFx technique utilizing acellular and cellular components to augment its potential in the management of cartilage defects has shown only marginal improvement in the clinical and radiological outcomes.

Enhanced microfracture techniques in cartilage knee surgery: Fact or fiction?

The limited intrinsic healing potential of human articular cartilage is a well-known problem in orthopedic surgery. Thus a variety of surgical techniques have been developed to reduce joint pain, improve joint function and delay the onset of osteoarthritis. Microfractures as a bone marrow stimulation technique present the most common applied articular cartilage repair procedure today. Unfortunately the deficiencies of fibrocartilaginous repair tissue inevitably lead to breakdown under normal joint loading and clinical results deteriorate with time. To overcome the shortcomings of microfracture, an enhanced microfracture technique was developed with an additional collagen Ⅰ/Ⅲ membrane(Autologous, Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis, AMIC). This article reviews the pre-clinical rationale of microfractures and AMIC, presents clinical studies and shows the advantages and disadvantages of these widely usedtechniques. PubM ed and the Cochrane database were searched to identify relevant studies. We used a comprehensive search strategy with no date or language restrictions to locate studies that examined the AMIC technique and microfracture. Search keywords included cartilage, microfracture, AMIC, knee, ChondroGide. Besides this, we included our own experiences and study authors were contacted if more and non published data were needed. Both cartilage repair techniques represent an effective and safe method of treating full-thickness chondral defects of the knee in selected cases. While results after microfracture deteriorate with time, mid-term results after AMIC seem to be enduring. Randomized studies with long-term followup are needed whether the grafted area will maintain functional improvement and structural integrity over time.

Stability analysis of surrounding rock mass in underground powerhouse considering damage effect of microfractures

A high-precision microseismic(MS)monitoring system was built to monitor surrounding rock microfractures in the underground powerhouse on the left bank of Shuangjiangkou Hydropower Station.The surrounding rock damage area with spatiotemporal clustering of MS activities was studied for qualitative analysis of the damage mechanism of surrounding rock microfractures,based on the source parameters of MS events.The surrounding rock microfracture scale characterized by the source radius of MS events was considered to establish the constitutive relation.MS information was imported into the model for numerical analysis using fast Lagrangian analysis of continuain 3 dimensions(FLAC^(3D)).The results indicated that the numerical simulation results considering MS damage can better reflect the actual situation of the field.The surrounding rock microfractures mainly showed mixed failure characteristics.Shear failures appeared in localized areas while the fracture scale of sections from K0e33 m to K0e15 m on the vault was large.The deformation increment caused by microfracture damage in the shallow surrounding rock of the top arch accounted for 10%e13%,and the stress decrement in the surrounding rock caused by microfracture damage accounted for about 10%.

DEFORMATION AND MICROFRACTURE OF GRANULAR BAINITE

Relationship among deformation history,fracture process and stress distribution of granular bainite has been investigated.The main process of fracture of granular bainite is the forma- tion.growth and coalescence of the microvoids.Even though the microcracks have formed at the earlier stage of deformation,they are not fateful for fracture because in the successive deformation stage the microcracks change their orientation toward the tensile axis.The strain hardening rate of granular bainite has a minimal value during the deformation process. Before and after the strain of the minimal value,the material shows different stress distribu- tion and microfracture mechanism.

Effects of Early Weightbearing on Microfracture Treatment of Osteochondral Lesions of Talus with Subchondral Bone Defects

When subchondral bone defects are present in osteochondral lesions of the talus(OCLT),it is inconclusive whether to allow early weightbearing after microfracture treatment because of the lack of effective support of the newly-formed fibrocartilage.After performing arthroscopic debridement and microfracture treatment on OCLT patients with subchondral bone defects,we allowed patients to have an early postoperative weightbearing exercise to observe their clinical outcome.Forty-two OCLT patients with subchondral bone defects were analyzed.Patients were randomly divided into two groups with 21 patients in each group.After arthroscopic debridement and microfracture treatment,group A was allowed to have early partial weightbearing while weightbearing was delayed in group B.Visual analogue scale(VAS)was used to evaluate joint pain before and after surgery.American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society(AOFAS)anklc-hindfoot score was used to evaluate joint function.Tegner activity scale was used to assess patient's exercise level.The AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score in group A increased from 54.4 to 87.6,and that in group B increased from 54.9 to 87.3.The VAS score in group A decreased from 6.5 to 2.2,and that in group B decreased from 6.4 to 2.3.The Tegner activity scale increased from 2.6 to 4.4 in group A,and that in group B increased from 2.6 to 3.9.There was significant difference in the Tegner activity scale between group A and group B(P<0.05).It was suggested that when performing microfracture treatmenf on OCLT patients with subchondral bone defects,early postoperative weightbearing may achieve similar clinical outcomes as delayed weightbearing,and patients may be better able to return to sports.

Identification and characterization of microfractures in carbonate samples

Based on the rock typing method of pore geometry and structure(PGS), rock samples from carbonate reservoir A and carbonate reservoir B were classified using data of routine and special core analysis and thin section images, and microfractures in the carbonate reservoir samples were identified and characterized. Establishment of rock types demonstrates that microfractures have developed in all rock types in carbonate reservoir A, but only partially in certain rock types in carbonate reservoir B with porosity of 1%–11%, less vuggy, and hardness of medium hard to hard. The cut-off porosity was determined for each type of rock to distinguish samples with and without conductive microfractures. The impact of conductive microfractures on improving permeability was analyzed. On the basis of relationship of permeability and original initial water saturation, the permeability equation was derived by certain special core analysis data with conductive microfractures selected by PGS equation, and the permeability of samples with conductive microfractures has been successfully predicted.

Quantitative characterization of irregular microfracture network and its effect on the permeability of porous media

Based on the comprehensive understanding on microfractures and matrix pores in reservoir rocks,numerical algorithms are used to construct fractured porous media and fracture-pore media models.Connectivity coefficient and strike factor are introduced into the models to quantitatively characterize the connectivity and strike of fracture network,respectively.The influences of fracture aperture,fracture strike and fracture connectivity on the permeability of porous media are studied by using multi-relaxation-time lattice Boltzmann model to simulate fluid flow in them.The greater the strike factor and the smaller the tortuosity of the fractured porous media,the greater the permeability of the fractured porous media.The greater the connectivity coefficient of the fracture network is,the greater the permeability of the fracture-pore media is,and the more likely dominant channel effect occurs.The fracture network connectivity has stronger influence on seepage ability of fracture-pore media than fracture aperture and fracture strike.The tortuosity and strike factor of fracture network in fractured porous media are in polynomial relation,while the permeability and fracture network connectivity coefficient of the fracture-pore media meet an exponential relation.

Early Weight Bearing Post Subchondral Microfracture Knee Arthroscopy: A Case Report

Traditionally physicians have advised patients to be non-weight bearing post arthroscopic knee microfracture surgery for at least 2 to 8 weeks. The microfracture procedure is a simple, low-risk method to induce self-cartilage regeneration to focal lesions. The procedure has shown that small fractures to the subchondral bone can recruit mesenchymal stem cells and growth factors to regenerate the fibrocartilage without compromising the subchondral plate. With the simplicity of this procedure and the positive effect it can have on patients, it is natural to want to push the bounds of rehabilitation to see what is necessary. The patient in this case report exhibits the potential for positive outcomes with early weight-bearing status in patients receiving microfractures via subchondral drilling. This positive outcome, along with others, should encourage clinicians to consider reestablishing evidence-guided rehabilitation post microfracture with new studies. Shortened rehabilitation time would decrease a barrier to surgery for many patients and would only enhance our treatment with this surgical modality.

关节镜下Microfracture术与Pridie钻孔术修复膝关节软骨全层缺损临床疗效的比较研究

目的比较关节镜下Microfracture术与Pridie钻孔术修复膝关节关节软骨全层缺损的临床疗效。方法 2006年1月至2009年12月,本组接受关节镜诊治的膝关节关节软骨全层缺损患者共72例(80膝),随机分为两组:Microfracture术组与Pridie钻孔术组。Microfracture术组(36例,40膝)接受关节镜下Microfracture术治疗;Pridie钻孔术组(36例,40膝)接受关节镜下Pridie钻孔术治疗。两组患者术后随访11～59个月,平均随访时间(39.0±13.7)个月。采用Lysholm膝关节功能评分作为膝关节功能的判定标准对两组患者手术疗效进行比较。结果 Microfracture术组患者术后总有效率为94.5%,其中疗效优23例(63.9%),疗效良11例(30.6%),疗效差2例(5.5%)。平均Lysholm评分从(38.1±14.9)分提高到(89.4±12.3)分。手术前后疗效比较有统计学差异(P<0.01)。Pridie钻孔术组修复膝关节关节软骨全层缺损总有效率为86.1%,其中疗效优15例(41.7%),疗效良16例(44.4%),疗效差5例(13.9%)。平均Lysholm评分由术前的(36.7±12.8)分提高到(80.2±9.5)分。手术前后疗效比较有统计学差异(P<0.01)。Microfracture术组与Pridie钻孔术组两组患者的临床疗效比较无统计学差异(P>0.05)。结论关节镜下Microfracture术与Pridie钻孔术修复膝关节关节软骨全层缺损的临床疗效初步比较无统计学差异,但Microfracture术组的患者有表现出较好术后疗效的趋势。

Microfracture Characterization in Sandstone Reservoirs:A Case Study from the Upper Triassic of Syria's Euphrates Graben

The Euphrates Graben is located in eastern Syria.The Upper Triassic Mulussa F Formation sandstones serve as the primary reservoir intervals in the majority of the graben fields.The study’s findings were based on core studies:petrographic examination of thin sections,scanning electron microscope(SEM),imaging of backscatter scanning electron microscope(BSE),X-ray microprobe examinations,and carbon-oxygen stable isotope analysis of microfracture-filling cements.Three of the most common types of microfracture found in the investigated sandstones are intragranular or intracrystalline microfractures,grain boundary or grain-edge microfractures,and transgranular(crossing grains)microfractures.Sandstone microfractures that are open and free of secondary mineralization improve sandstone storage and permeability.However,microfractures that are cemented and filled with secondary mineralization reduce storage and permeability.Common siderite and pyrite cements were identified within the microfractures and the nearby sandstone matrix.Larger anhedral or euhedral siderites are thought to form during shallow burial diagenesis,whereas poikilotopic siderites are thought to form during deep burial diagenesis.Poikilotopic pyrite is believed to be a diagenetic cement,which is attributed to the reduction of iron oxides present in the sediments in the presence of hydrocarbons.Microfractures reflect tectonic,overpressure,and diagenetic origins.Microfractures of tectonic origin are associated with folding and thrust activities over the Euphrates Graben area,and they were formed at the beginning of the Upper Triassic with siderite and pyrite cement equilibration temperatures of approximately 100–105℃,and they continued forming from the middle to the end of the Upper Triassic with cement equilibration temperatures of approximately 90–100℃in conjunction with the first phase of the Euphrates Graben.Microfractures related to diagenetic and overpressure processes are tension microfractures and were formed in compression settings during the Upper Triassic.

Discovery and implication of shock metamorphic unloading microfractures in Devonian bedrock of Taihu Lake

Sphenoidal tensile microfractures with particular patterns have been discovered in the Late Devonian quartzose sandstone in islands and peninsula of the Taihu Lake area. Microfractures present a '人'-shape collective pattern, occurring in a single row or multiple rows. The quartz crystals in the inner acute angle area of some '人'-shape microfractures have severely been non-crystallized, showing the feature of diaplectic glass. The studies show that these special microfractures were formed during the unloading process after the compression was up to the peak of an impact event.

Temporal and spatial distribution of microfractures in granites of different structures under triaxial compression and its significance in seismology

The temporal and spatial distribution of microfracturing activity in two kinds of granite under triaxial compression has been studied by using a new acoustic emission system. For Inada granite, there is no clear clustering of acoustic emission events in time and space, thus it is difficult to exactly deduce the time and position of the major fracturing. While for Mayet granite,acoustic emission events are clustered in time and space, so the time and position of the major fracturing can be exactly predicted according to microfracturing process. Such a difference may result from the difference in deformation mode caused by different rock structures.

Quantitative characterization of tight gas sandstone reservoirs using seismic data via an integrated rock-physics-based framework

Seismic characterizing of tight gas sandstone (TGS) reservoirs is essential for identifying promising gas-bearing regions. However, exploring the petrophysical significance of seismic-inverted elastic properties is challenging due to the complex microstructures in TGSs. Meanwhile, interbedded structures of sandstone and mudstone intensify the difficulty in accurately extracting the crucial tight sandstone properties. An integrated rock-physics-based framework is proposed to estimate the reservoir quality of TGSs from seismic data. TGSs with complex pore structures are modeled using the double-porosity model, providing a practical tool to compute rock physics templates for reservoir parameter estimation. The VP/VS ratio is utilized to predict the cumulative thickness of the TGS reservoirs within the target range via the threshold value evaluated from wireline logs for lithology discrimination. This approach also facilitates better capturing the elastic properties of the TGSs for quantitative seismic interpretation. Total porosity is estimated from P-wave impedance using the correlation obtained based on wireline log analysis. After that, the three-dimensional rock-physics templates integrated with the estimated total porosity are constructed to interpret microfracture porosity and gas saturation from velocity ratio and bulk modulus. The integrated framework can optimally estimate the parameters dominating the reservoir quality. The results of the indicator proposed based on the obtained parameters are in good agreement with the gas productions and can be utilized to predict promising TGS reservoirs. Moreover, the results suggest that considering microfracture porosity allows a more accurate prediction of high-quality reservoirs, further validating the applicability of the proposed method in the studied region.

Action mechanisms of abnormal fluid pressure on physical properties of deep reservoirs: A case study on Jurassic Toutunhe Formation in the southern margin of Junggar Basin, NW China

Considering the action mechanisms of overpressure on physical changes in skeleton particles of deep reservoir rocks and the differences in physical changes of skeleton particles under overpressure and hydrostatic pressure, the sandstone of the Jurassic Toutunhe Formation in the southern margin of Junggar Basin was taken as an example for physical modeling experiment to analyze the action mechanisms of overpressure on the physical properties of deep reservoirs. (1) In the simulated ultra-deep layer with a burial depth of 6000-8000 m, the mechanical compaction under overpressure reduces the remaining primary pores by about a half that under hydrostatic pressure. Overpressure can effectively suppress the mechanical compaction to allow the preservation of intergranular primary pores. (2) The linear contact length ratio under overpressure is always smaller than the linear contact length ratio under hydrostatic pressure at the same depth. In deep reservoirs, the difference between the mechanical compaction degree under overpressure and hydrostatic pressure shows a decreasing trend, the effect of abnormally high pressure to resist the increase of effective stress is weakened, and the degree of mechanical compaction is gradually close to that under hydrostatic pressure. (3) The microfractures in skeleton particles of deep reservoirs under overpressure are thin and long, while the microfractures in skeleton particles of deep reservoirs under hydrostatic pressure are short and wide. This difference is attributed to the probable presence of tension fractures in the rocks containing abnormally high pressure fluid. (4) The microfractures in skeleton particles under overpressure were mainly formed later than that under hydrostatic pressure, and the development degree and length of microfractures both extend deeper. (5) The development stages of microfractures under overpressure are mainly controlled by the development stages of abnormally high pressure and the magnitude of effective stress acting on the skeleton particles. Moreover, the development stages of microfractures in skeleton particles are more than those under hydrostatic pressure in deep reservoir. The multi-stage abnormally high pressure plays an important role in improving the physical properties of deep reservoirs.

Reformation of deep clastic reservoirs with different diagenetic intensities by microfractures during late rapid deep burial: Implications from diagenetic physical simulation of Cretaceous Qingshuihe Formation in the southern margin of Junggar Basin, NW China

Constrained by the geological burial history of Cretaceous Qingshuihe Formation in the southern margin of Junggar Basin, the diagenetic physical simulation experiment was carried out with the low-mature sandstone samples taken from the outcrop area. Then, coupling with the regional geological data, the reformation of reservoirs with different diagenetic intensities by microfractures and the significance of microfractures for development of high-quality reservoirs were discussed. The results show that the large-scale microfractures were formed in the stage of late rapid deep burial, roughly equivalent to the period when organic acids were filled. The microfractures created good conditions for migration of oil and gas in deep and ultra-deep clastic rocks, and also enabled the transport of organic acids to the reservoirs for ensuing the late continuous dissolution of cements and particles. The existence of matrix pores and microfractures in the reservoirs before the rapid deep burial determined how the microfractures formed during rapid deep burial improved the reservoir quality. If matrix pores and microfractures were more developed and the cementation degree was lower before the rapid deep burial, the microfractures would be more developed and the dissolution degree would be higher during the late rapid deep burial, and so the reservoir quality would be improved more greatly, which can increase the reservoir permeability by up to 55%. If cementation was very strong, but matrix pores were not developed and microfractures existed locally before the rapid deep burial, the microfractures would also be more developed during the late rapid deep burial, which can increase the reservoir permeability by 43%. If cementation was strong, matrix pores were absent, and microfractures were not developed, limited microfractures would be formed during the late rapid deep burial, which can increase the reservoir permeability by only 16%. Formation of large-scale microfractures during late rapid deep burial and promotion of such microfractures to the dissolution of organic acids are considered as key diagenetic factors for the development of deep and ultra-deep high-quality reservoirs.

Formation Mechanism of the High-quality Upper Paleozoic Natural Gas Reservoirs in the Ordos Basin

The upper Paleozoic natural gas reservoirs in the Ordos basin are generally characterized by a large gas-bearing area and low reserve abundance. On such a geological background, there still exist gas-enriched zones, with relatively high outputs, high reserve abundance and stably distributed gas layers. The gas-enriched layers with relatively high permeability （the lower limit permeability is 0.5×10^-3μm^2） are key factors for the enrichment and high output of natural gas. Based on core observation, analytic results of inclusions, and a great deal of drilling data, we proposed the following four mechanisms for the formation of high-quality reservoirs： （1） in the source area the parent rocks are mainly metamorphic rocks and granites, which are favorable to keeping primary porosity; （2） under the condition of low A/S （accommodation/sediment supply） ratios, sandstone complex formed due to multistage fluvial stacking and filling are coarse in grain size with a high degree of sorting, low content of mud and good physical properties; （3） early-stage recharge of hydrocarbons restricted compaction and cementation, and thus are favorable to preservation of primary pores; （4） microfractures caused by the activity of basement faults during the Yanshan Movement stage can not only improve the permeability of tight sandstones, but also afford vertical pathways for hydrocarbon gas migration.

Treatment for cartilage injuries of the knee with a new treatment algorithm

Treatment of articular cartilage injuries to the knee remains a considerable challenge today. Current procedures succeed in providing relief of symptoms, however damaged articular tissue is not replaced with new tissue of the same biomechanical properties and long-term durability as normal hyaline cartilage. Despite many arthroscopic procedures that often manage to achieve these goals, results are far from perfect and there is no agreement on which of these procedures are appropriate, particularly when full-thickness chondral defects are considered.Therefore, the search for biological solution in long-term functional healing and increasing the quality of wounded cartilage has been continuing. For achieving this goal and apply in wide defects, scaffolds are developed.The rationale of using a scaffold is to create an environment with biodegradable polymers for the in vitro growth of living cells and their subsequent implantation into the lesion area. Previously a few numbers of surgical treatment algorithm was described in reports, however none of them contained one-step or two –steps scaffolds. The ultimate aim of this article was to review various arthroscopic treatment options for different stage lesions and develop a new treatment algorithm which included the scaffolds.

Anisotropic Variation Law of Rock Permeability with the Burial Depth of Limestone

Permeability tensors of both macrofracture and microfracture Systems weremeasured progressively along the depth of limestone formations at severed sites. It was found thatthe principal permeability values K_x, K_y and K_z in these permeability tensors all decreasesimultaneously and logarithmically with depth. However, the limestone aquifers are composed of anupper region where the larger permeability ellipsoid is upright or prolate and characterized byK_z>K_x and K_z>K_y, a transitional zone, and a lower zone whose smaller permeability ellipsoid ishorizontal or oblate and characterized by K_z>K_x and K_z>K_y. The inversion of the permeabilityellipsoids in direction indicates that the anisotropy of rock permeability with the depth oflimestone formations has evidently changed. The anisotropic variation law of permeability tensors ina macrofracture system displays a similar pattern with that in a microfracture system. It is nextto impossible to examine the rock permeability tensor of the aquifer just by measuring the hydraulicparameters of macrofracture system directly, unless the limestone aquifer is exposed on or near theearth's surface. Therefore, the permeability tensors of a macrofracture system at any depth may beindirectly and roughly determined from the gaugeable permeability tensors of the microfracturesystem by conversion. This anisotropic variation law of rock permeability with depth is of greatsignificance in the study of three-dimensional fracture water flow the huge carbonate formations andin the research on the conditions of karst development and karst distribution.

A discontinuum-based model to simulate compressive and tensile failure in sedimentary rock

The study presented in this paper discusses a discontinuum-based model for investigating strength and failure in sedimentary rocks.The model has been implemented by UDEC to incorporate an innovative orthotropic cohesive constitutive law for contact.To reach this purpose,a user-defned model has been established by creating dynamic link libraries(DLLs)and attaching them into the code.The model reproduces rock material by a dense collection of irregular-sized deformable particles interacting at their cohesive boundaries which are viewed as flexible contacts whose stress-displacement law is assumed to control the fracture and the fragmentation behaviours of the material.The model has been applied to a sandstone.The individual and interactional effects of the microstructural parameters on the material compressive and tensile failure responses have been examined.In addition,the paper presents a new methodical calibration procedure to ft the modelling microparameters.It is shown that the model can successfully reproduce the rock mechanical behaviour quantitatively and qualitatively.The study also shows how discontinuum-based modelling can be used to characterize the relation between the microstructural parameters and the macro-scale properties of a material.