Variable frequency of pulse hydraulic fracturing for improving permeability in coal seam

Variable frequency, a new pattern of pulse hydraulic fracturing, is presented for improving permeability in coal seam. A variable frequency pulse hydraulic fracturing testing system was built, the mould with triaxial loading was developed. Based on the monitor methods of pressure sensor and acoustic emission, the trials of two patterns of pulse hydraulic fracturing of single frequency and variable frequency were carried out, and at last fracturing mechanism was analyzed. The results show that the effect of variable frequency on fracture extension is better than that of single frequency based on the analysis of macroscopic figures and AE. And the shortage of single frequency is somewhat remedied when the frequency is variable. Under variable frequency, the pressure process can be divided into three stages: low frequency band, pressure stability band and high frequency band, and rupture pressure of the sample is smaller than that of the condition of single frequency. Based on the Miner fatigue theory, the effect of different loading sequences on sample rupture is discussed and the results show that it is better to select the sequence of low frequency at first and then high frequency. Our achievements can give a basis for the improvement and optimization of the pulse hydraulic fracturing technology. (C) 2013 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of China University of Mining & Technology.