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Flow (Dynamics)

New Insights into Geomechanics and Geophysics Revealed in Shale Research

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Research conducted at Central South University has shed light on the effects of high-pressure supercritical CO2 on fracture morphology and nonlinear flow characteristics of shale. The study, published in Geomechanics and Geophysics for Geo-Energy and Geo-Resources, has significant implications for enhancing shale gas production and evaluating the viability of CO2 fracturing technology. The research team, led by Bingbin Xie, investigated the chemo-mechanical interactions between supercritical CO2 and fractured shale, revealing key findings that enhance our understanding of the complex processes involved.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study demonstrates that prolonged exposure to supercritical CO2 induces chemo-mechanical coupling in shale reservoirs, driving mineral reconfiguration and promoting secondary fracture branching.
  • The research reveals that stress-chemical interactions govern nonlinear flow dynamics, with non-Darcy flow dominating below 25 MPa confining stress and high stress enhancing ScCO2-induced conductivity via dissolution-expanded channels.
  • The study establishes predictive criteria for fracture network evolution and flow regime transitions in subsurface carbon storage systems.
  • The research highlights the importance of mineralogical alterations and stress-dependent fracture closure in regulating seepage stability in CO2 sequestration.
  • The findings have significant implications for enhancing shale gas production and evaluating the viability of CO2 fracturing technology.
  • The study employed a range of techniques, including XRD, high-resolution micro-CT imaging, 3D profilometry, and hydraulic tests, to quantify ScCO2-induced mineral dissolution, fracture geometry evolution, and nonlinear flow properties.

Statistics:

  • The study was supported by the Science And Technology Innovation Program of Hunan Province and the Natural Science Foundation of Hainan Province.
  • The research was conducted at the Key Laboratory of Metallogenic Prediction of Nonferrous Metals and Geological Environment Monitoring, School of Geosciences and Info-Physics, Central South University.
  • The study established key thresholds regulating seepage stability in CO2 sequestration, with a 150 MPa/m pressure gradient threshold and a critical Reynolds number (Rec) of 1.
  • The research found that the volume fraction of fractures increased by 43% after exposure to supercritical CO2.
  • The study reported a reduction in critical Reynolds number (Rec) by 25% due to viscosity reduction and interfacial slip.

Sources:

  • Effects of high-pressure supercritical CO2 on fracture morphology and nonlinear flow characteristics of shale. Geomechanics and Geophysics for Geo-Energy and Geo-Resources, 2025, 11(1):1-26. (https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.1007/s40948-025-01031-4)
  • NewsRx. Central South University Researchers Add New Data to Research in Geomechanics and Geophysics (Effects of high-pressure supercritical CO2 on fracture morphology and nonlinear flow characteristics of shale). Physics Week. October 21, 2025; p 11.

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