Hydraulic Fracture Test System

The Hydraulic Fracture Test System (model CT-STIM-FRAC) performs hydraulic fracturing experiments on cylindrical rock specimens under triaxial stress while monitoring microseismic activity. It is used in reservoir stimulation research to measure breakdown and propagation pressures and to record the microseismic response during fracture initiation and growth.

How it works

A specimen of 54.7 mm diameter (other sizes on request) and a length of twice the diameter is placed in a FKM (Viton) sleeve inside the triaxial cell. Confining pressure up to 70 MPa, axial stress up to 424 MPa and pore pressure up to 70 MPa are applied, and the cell can be heated to 150 °C. Fracturing fluid is then injected through 1/8 in connections at a controlled rate of 0.001 to 80 cc/min. Triaxial stress, injection pressure and injection rate are the controlled variables; breakdown pressure, propagation pressure and the microseismic response are measured.

Wetted parts are stainless steel.

What is included

• Triaxial cell with FKM (Viton) sleeve for 54.7 mm specimens
• Confining, axial and pore pressure systems
• Injection system, 0.001 to 80 cc/min
• Microseismic monitoring
• Heating to 150 °C

Specify for your project

• Specimen diameter if different from 54.7 mm
• Stress state required: confining, axial and pore pressure within the stated ratings
• Test temperature up to 150 °C
• Fracturing fluids to be injected, for pump and wetted-part compatibility
• Number and type of microseismic sensors
• Whether a fracture conductivity or proppant conductivity system from the same range is also required

This description defines the product family. Guaranteed performance, included hardware, exclusions, interfaces and acceptance criteria are stated only in the project-specific technical proposal and approved datasheet.

Features

• Maximum confining pressure: 70 MPa Maximum axial stress: 424 MPa
• Maximum pore pressure: 70 MPa
• Max. temperature: 150°C
• Injection flow rate: 0.001 to 80 cc/min
• Specimen diameter: 54.7 mm (other upon request)
• Specimen length: twice the diameter
• Connections: 1/8 inch
• Sleeve material: Viton
• Wetted part material: Stainless steel