Research and application of small-diameter hydraulic fracturing in-situ stress measurement system

Liu, Yimin; Zhang, Mian; Li, Yixuan; Lu, Shuai; Chen, Huan

doi:https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-2023-13

Preprints

https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-2023-13

Preprints

13 Nov 2023

| 13 Nov 2023

Status: a revised version of this preprint was accepted for the journal GI and is expected to appear here in due course.

Research and application of small-diameter hydraulic fracturing in-situ stress measurement system

Yimin Liu, Mian Zhang, Yixuan Li, Shuai Lu, and Huan Chen

Abstract. Observation and estimation of the stress state in the deep crust is a crucial challenge in in-situ stress measurement work. Hydraulic fracturing method is an important borehole-based technique for absolute in-situ stress measurement. The small-diameter hydraulic fracturing in-situ stress measurement system described in this article consists mainly of underground measurement components (serial small-diameter packers and dual-circuit connecting installation rods) and surface control components (hydraulic fluid control system, data acquisition system, and high-pressure oil pump with controllable flow). It enables series measurement of small-sized boreholes for in-situ stress, provides a maximum measurement range of 30~45 MPa. The subsequent calculation of in-situ stress data adopts the uniform design method to discuss the influence of various external factors on rock fracturing values. The small-diameter hydraulic fracturing in-situ stress measurement system has the advantages of simple and lightweight structure, short testing time, high success rate, and low requirements for rock integrity and pressurization equipment. It has formed a series of small-diameter in-situ stress measurement equipment, which has been innovatively promoted to the field of underground tunnel safety assessment in coal mines and metal mining areas. It has important practical value and economic significance in accurately determining the in-situ stress state of deep development areas.

Received: 12 Aug 2023 – Discussion started: 13 Nov 2023

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Yimin Liu, Mian Zhang, Yixuan Li, Shuai Lu, and Huan Chen

Status: closed

RC1:
'Comment on gi-2023-13', Anonymous Referee #1, 20 Dec 2023

This paper describes an in-situ stress measurement system using small diameter hydraulic packers. The system presented consists of subsurface measurement components (serial small-diameter packers and dual-circuit connection installation rods) and surface control components (hydraulic fluid control system, data acquisition system and controllable flow high pressure pump). This structure offers advantages such as simple and lightweight design, short testing time and high success rate.
The description of the system components is well presented, as are the test procedures and the analysis of the results. However, in my opinion, a more detailed discussion of the data obtained and how these results can be compared with other related research or applications in the field would be useful. Furthermore, while the paper presents the advantages of the system, it could be useful to add a more detailed discussion of its limitations and suggestions for future work.
Other minor comments are
The caption of Figure 9 is on the next page and Table 2 is split into two pages, it would be better to put them on the same page. In general, it might be useful to check all captions, figures and equations (e.g. equation (5)) so that there is a good division with respect to the text. In addition, in some figures (e.g. Figures 1,10 (legend),11,12) the captions are not well visible.

Citation: https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-2023-13-RC1
- AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Huan Chen, 21 Dec 2023
  
  Reply to reviewer 1#
  
  Dear reviewer 1#：
  We are very grateful to this referee comments, and have carefully read and considered the referee’s comments, and these comments are important for improving the quality of this manuscript. Based on these comments, we have made carefully modification and proofreading on the original manuscript, the revised parts have been marked in red in revised version, and the detail modifications are shown in next chapter.
  Thank you very much for your suggestion and consideration, and we look forward to hearing from you.
  Best regards,
  Yimin Liu and Huan Chen.
  
  Detailed revision:
  (1) A more detailed discussion of the data obtained and how these results can be compared with other related research or applications in the field would be useful. It could be useful to add a more detailed discussion of its limitations and suggestions for future work.
  Modification: Thanks a lot for the constructive suggestion. Based on measured data analysis, we have come to the following conclusion: the relationship between the three principal stresses in this region is S_H > S_V > S_h, indicating a stress state favorable for slip on strike-slip faults. Then we compared with other related research, such as the findings of Fan et al. (2003) using focal mechanism analysis, and Fan et al. also obtained corresponding conclusions that S_H > S_V > S_h, to support our conclusion and measurement accuracy.
  According to the reviewer's comments, we have added the limitations of current research and suggestions for future work, mainly improve the theory of in-situ stress testing for small diameter hydraulic fracturing, especially the analysis of the effect of size effect on the fracture pressure value.
  
  (2) The caption of Figure 9 is on the next page and Table 2 is split into two pages, it would be better to put them on the same page.
  Modification: Thanks a lot for the kindness suggestion, we have put Figure 9 and Table 2on the same page.
  
  (3) In general, it might be useful to check all captions, figures and equations (e.g. equation (5)) so that there is a good division with respect to the text.
  Modification: According to the reviewer's comments, we have carefully checked captions and serial number of all figures, equations and tables.
  
  (4) In addition, in some figures (e.g. Figures 1, 10 (legend), 11, 12) the captions are not well visible.
  Modification: Thanks a lot for this suggestion, we have redrew the Figures 1, 4, 5, 6, 10 (legend), 11 and 12, so that the legends and captions of these figuires are much more visible.
  
  Citation: https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-2023-13-AC1
RC2:
'Comment on gi-2023-13', Anonymous Referee #2, 31 Jan 2024
This manuscript developed a new-type small-diameter hydraulic fracturing in-situ stress measurement system, which reduced the diameter to below 42mm. From the description of the manuscript, it can be seen that this system will be very suitable for the field of underground tunnel safety assessment in coal mines and metal mining areas, because this new-type system has the advantages of simple and lightweight structure, short testing time, high success rate, and low requirements for rock integrity and pressurization equipment. So I think this measuring equipment can generate good economic value.
My specific opinion is as follows:
The abstract section is relatively clear and concise, but I still suggest clarifying the differences of the new measurement system more clearly.

Section2.3 show the data processing methods of hydraulic fracturing in-situ stress measurement, I think this is a principle based content that is not closely related to the characteristics of the article and can be deleted.

The Figure 1 doesn't seem very clear, I suggest redrawing it. And the typeface in Figure 11, 12 seems too small, I suggest bolding and unifying.

The same image and table should be displayed on the same page, suggest checking and correcting the entire text.

The Section 6, I suggest further strengthening the induction and summary in Section conclusion.

In my opinion, this manuscript can be accepted after minor revision.
Citation: https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-2023-13-RC2
- AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Huan Chen, 04 Feb 2024
  
  Reply to reviewer 2#
  
  Dear reviewer 2#：
  On behalf of my co-authors, we thank you for giving us an opportunity to revise this paper, we appreciate editor and reviewers very much for their positive and constructive comments and suggestions on our manuscript. Based on these comments, we have made carefully modification and proofreading on the original manuscript. For the questions from reviewer 2#, I will explain in detail in the next chapter, and the detail modifications are also shown in red in revised version.
  Thanks for your suggestions and comments. All your comments are very important, and they have important guiding significance for our future research work, and we look forward to hearing from you.
  Best regards,
  Yimin Liu and Huan Chen.
  
  Detailed revision:
  (1) The abstract section is relatively clear and concise, but I still suggest clarifying the differences of the new measurement system more clearly.
  Modification: The Table1 shows measurement methods and technical parameters of the ready-made measurement devices, so there is a lack of hydraulic fracturing in-situ stress measurement system with a diameter smaller than 45mm. According to this comment, we have added the progressive and differences from the existent technology.
  
  (2) Section2.3 show the data processing methods of hydraulic fracturing in-situ stress measurement, I think this is a principle based content that is not closely related to the characteristics of the article and can be deleted..
  Modification: Thanks a lot for the kindness suggestion, we have deleted the Section2.3 that is not closely related to the main idea of this manuscript.
  
  (3) The Figure 1 doesn't seem very clear, I suggest redrawing it. And the typeface in Figure 11, 12 seems too small, I suggest bolding and unifying. The same image and table should be displayed on the same page, suggest checking and correcting the entire text.
  Modification: Thanks a lot for this suggestion. According to the reviewer's comments, we have carefully checked captions and serial number of all figures, equations and tables. Due to our negligence, we have redrew the Figures 1, 4, 5, 6, 10 (legend), 11 and 12, so that the legends and captions of these figures are much more visible.
  
  (5) The Section 6, I suggest further strengthening the induction and summary in Section conclusion.
  Modification: According to this comment, we have reorganized and summarized, and added the research directions in subsequent research, mainly by applying the error compensation model of fluid mechanics influencing factors to the calculation and analysis of in-situ stress, improving the theory of in-situ stress measurement for inclined hole hydraulic fracturing, and especially analyzing the effect of size effect on the fracturing pressure value.
  
  Citation: https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-2023-13-AC2

Status: closed

RC1:
'Comment on gi-2023-13', Anonymous Referee #1, 20 Dec 2023

This paper describes an in-situ stress measurement system using small diameter hydraulic packers. The system presented consists of subsurface measurement components (serial small-diameter packers and dual-circuit connection installation rods) and surface control components (hydraulic fluid control system, data acquisition system and controllable flow high pressure pump). This structure offers advantages such as simple and lightweight design, short testing time and high success rate.
The description of the system components is well presented, as are the test procedures and the analysis of the results. However, in my opinion, a more detailed discussion of the data obtained and how these results can be compared with other related research or applications in the field would be useful. Furthermore, while the paper presents the advantages of the system, it could be useful to add a more detailed discussion of its limitations and suggestions for future work.
Other minor comments are
The caption of Figure 9 is on the next page and Table 2 is split into two pages, it would be better to put them on the same page. In general, it might be useful to check all captions, figures and equations (e.g. equation (5)) so that there is a good division with respect to the text. In addition, in some figures (e.g. Figures 1,10 (legend),11,12) the captions are not well visible.

Citation: https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-2023-13-RC1
- AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Huan Chen, 21 Dec 2023
  
  Reply to reviewer 1#
  
  Dear reviewer 1#：
  We are very grateful to this referee comments, and have carefully read and considered the referee’s comments, and these comments are important for improving the quality of this manuscript. Based on these comments, we have made carefully modification and proofreading on the original manuscript, the revised parts have been marked in red in revised version, and the detail modifications are shown in next chapter.
  Thank you very much for your suggestion and consideration, and we look forward to hearing from you.
  Best regards,
  Yimin Liu and Huan Chen.
  
  Detailed revision:
  (1) A more detailed discussion of the data obtained and how these results can be compared with other related research or applications in the field would be useful. It could be useful to add a more detailed discussion of its limitations and suggestions for future work.
  Modification: Thanks a lot for the constructive suggestion. Based on measured data analysis, we have come to the following conclusion: the relationship between the three principal stresses in this region is S_H > S_V > S_h, indicating a stress state favorable for slip on strike-slip faults. Then we compared with other related research, such as the findings of Fan et al. (2003) using focal mechanism analysis, and Fan et al. also obtained corresponding conclusions that S_H > S_V > S_h, to support our conclusion and measurement accuracy.
  According to the reviewer's comments, we have added the limitations of current research and suggestions for future work, mainly improve the theory of in-situ stress testing for small diameter hydraulic fracturing, especially the analysis of the effect of size effect on the fracture pressure value.
  
  (2) The caption of Figure 9 is on the next page and Table 2 is split into two pages, it would be better to put them on the same page.
  Modification: Thanks a lot for the kindness suggestion, we have put Figure 9 and Table 2on the same page.
  
  (3) In general, it might be useful to check all captions, figures and equations (e.g. equation (5)) so that there is a good division with respect to the text.
  Modification: According to the reviewer's comments, we have carefully checked captions and serial number of all figures, equations and tables.
  
  (4) In addition, in some figures (e.g. Figures 1, 10 (legend), 11, 12) the captions are not well visible.
  Modification: Thanks a lot for this suggestion, we have redrew the Figures 1, 4, 5, 6, 10 (legend), 11 and 12, so that the legends and captions of these figuires are much more visible.
  
  Citation: https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-2023-13-AC1
RC2:
'Comment on gi-2023-13', Anonymous Referee #2, 31 Jan 2024
This manuscript developed a new-type small-diameter hydraulic fracturing in-situ stress measurement system, which reduced the diameter to below 42mm. From the description of the manuscript, it can be seen that this system will be very suitable for the field of underground tunnel safety assessment in coal mines and metal mining areas, because this new-type system has the advantages of simple and lightweight structure, short testing time, high success rate, and low requirements for rock integrity and pressurization equipment. So I think this measuring equipment can generate good economic value.
My specific opinion is as follows:
The abstract section is relatively clear and concise, but I still suggest clarifying the differences of the new measurement system more clearly.

Section2.3 show the data processing methods of hydraulic fracturing in-situ stress measurement, I think this is a principle based content that is not closely related to the characteristics of the article and can be deleted.

The Figure 1 doesn't seem very clear, I suggest redrawing it. And the typeface in Figure 11, 12 seems too small, I suggest bolding and unifying.

The same image and table should be displayed on the same page, suggest checking and correcting the entire text.

The Section 6, I suggest further strengthening the induction and summary in Section conclusion.

In my opinion, this manuscript can be accepted after minor revision.
Citation: https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-2023-13-RC2
- AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Huan Chen, 04 Feb 2024
  
  Reply to reviewer 2#
  
  Dear reviewer 2#：
  On behalf of my co-authors, we thank you for giving us an opportunity to revise this paper, we appreciate editor and reviewers very much for their positive and constructive comments and suggestions on our manuscript. Based on these comments, we have made carefully modification and proofreading on the original manuscript. For the questions from reviewer 2#, I will explain in detail in the next chapter, and the detail modifications are also shown in red in revised version.
  Thanks for your suggestions and comments. All your comments are very important, and they have important guiding significance for our future research work, and we look forward to hearing from you.
  Best regards,
  Yimin Liu and Huan Chen.
  
  Detailed revision:
  (1) The abstract section is relatively clear and concise, but I still suggest clarifying the differences of the new measurement system more clearly.
  Modification: The Table1 shows measurement methods and technical parameters of the ready-made measurement devices, so there is a lack of hydraulic fracturing in-situ stress measurement system with a diameter smaller than 45mm. According to this comment, we have added the progressive and differences from the existent technology.
  
  (2) Section2.3 show the data processing methods of hydraulic fracturing in-situ stress measurement, I think this is a principle based content that is not closely related to the characteristics of the article and can be deleted..
  Modification: Thanks a lot for the kindness suggestion, we have deleted the Section2.3 that is not closely related to the main idea of this manuscript.
  
  (3) The Figure 1 doesn't seem very clear, I suggest redrawing it. And the typeface in Figure 11, 12 seems too small, I suggest bolding and unifying. The same image and table should be displayed on the same page, suggest checking and correcting the entire text.
  Modification: Thanks a lot for this suggestion. According to the reviewer's comments, we have carefully checked captions and serial number of all figures, equations and tables. Due to our negligence, we have redrew the Figures 1, 4, 5, 6, 10 (legend), 11 and 12, so that the legends and captions of these figures are much more visible.
  
  (5) The Section 6, I suggest further strengthening the induction and summary in Section conclusion.
  Modification: According to this comment, we have reorganized and summarized, and added the research directions in subsequent research, mainly by applying the error compensation model of fluid mechanics influencing factors to the calculation and analysis of in-situ stress, improving the theory of in-situ stress measurement for inclined hole hydraulic fracturing, and especially analyzing the effect of size effect on the fracturing pressure value.
  
  Citation: https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-2023-13-AC2

Yimin Liu, Mian Zhang, Yixuan Li, Shuai Lu, and Huan Chen

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Short summary

We developed a serialized mall-diameter hydraulic fracturing in-situ stress measurement system, which enables series measurement of small-sized boreholes for in-situ stress, and has the advantages of simple and lightweight structure, short testing time, high success rate, and low requirements for rock integrity and pressurization equipment. This system has important practical value and economic significance in accurately determining the in-situ stress state of deep development areas.


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