Rock matrix and fracture analysis of flow in western tight gas sands

The presence of natural fractures is often cited as a key factor in gas production for both fractured and unfractured wells. Numerous vertical fractures have been found in cores recovered in the Multi-Well Project. The cores show that by far the majority of fractures become filled with calcite cement. However, calcite-filled fractures are not necessarily a seal to gas flow. As part of this project, flow measurements are being made along and across selected fractured samples as a function of overburden pressure for a minimum of five core samples. Comparative measurements will be made on unfractured neighboring cores. Permeability measurements will be made at a minimum of four levels of water saturation for each of at least six samples to assess the effect of water content on permeabilities in fractured systems. The effects of chemical treatments on mineralized fractures will be studied to assess whether such treatments lead to permeability enhancement of formation damage. Permeability to gas will be measured at various levels of water saturation established by equilibration of core samples in humidity chambers. Electrical resistivity at various levels of water saturations and confining pressures will also be measured. Special attention will be given to water distribution within the rock pore space. circumstances under which water can act to inhibit gas production and the pressure differences necessary to overcome capillary seals formed by water will also be investigated. Capillary pressure measurements will be made using a high-speed centrifuge