The ACM-3000 is designed to faithfully simulate the acid fracturing process specific to carbonate geological formations. It conducts acid etching on carbonate core samples that are confined within a fracture conductivity cell, while replicating realistic conditions of temperature, acid pressure, and fluid flow. The system also monitors fluid loss during the leak-off phase. The device utilizes specimens with extensive exposed surface areas, allowing for more authentic etching patterns and enhanced leak-off penetration. Moreover, the system assesses both short-term and long-term conductivities of acid fractures, both unpropped and propped, under actual down-hole conditions involving stress and temperature. Various fluids like brine or nitrogen gas can be used in the evaluation. Short-term conductivity tests focus on analyzing the influence of variables such as formation type, acid-rock contact duration, acid type and concentration, temperature, flow dynamics, and high closure stress on the acid-etched fracture's conductivity. Long-term tests delve into examining factors like creep deformation of acid-etched fractures, proppant embedment, and the effects of proppant size and concentration under conditions of high closure stress.
Specifications
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Maximum closure stress
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20,000 psi
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Maximum working temperature
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Ambient to 177°C (350 F)
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Flow pressure
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up to 3,000 psi
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Sample length
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7 inches
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Sample width
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1.5 inches
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Sample height
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2 x 3 inches
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Wetted parts | Hastelloy |
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Power supply
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220VAC, 50 or 60 Hz
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N2 Pressure requirements
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2,000 psi
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Benefits
Fully automated apparatus
Uses specimen with large exposed surface area to acid
The use of thick core samples allows the leakoff and wormhole phenomenon to be monitored during acid injection
Perform both short term and long term conductivity tests
Achieves any desired closure stress
Simulates fluid leak off, and therefore accounts for damaging effects of fracturing fluids.
Video presentation: