Effects of thermophysical parameters of fracturing fluid on hot dry rock damage in hydraulic fracturing

Hydraulic fracturing plays a crucial role in the exploitation of hot dry rocks (HDR). However, the effects of the thermophysical parameter of hydraulic fracturing fluid on rock damage mechanism are still not well understood. The study aims at analyzing the influence of thermophysical parameters of fracturing fluid on the damage of HDR through numerical and analytical methods. It is found that the increase of density and specific heat capacity decrease rock damage volume, while the thermal conductivity rises rock damage volume. In addition, the impacts of volume compressions and viscosity on rock damage are not always promoted or inhibited, but change. Liquid permeability is defined in this study, which is found that low liquid permeability results in a larger volume of rock damage. The results would provide guidance for fracturing fluid configuration and hydraulic fracturing process control. (c) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study analyzes the influence of the thermophysical parameters of fracturing fluid on the damage of hot dry rocks (HDR). The results show that increasing density and specific heat capacity decrease rock damage volume, while increasing thermal conductivity increases rock damage volume. The impacts of volume compressions and viscosity on rock damage are not always consistent, but vary. Low liquid permeability results in a larger volume of rock damage.