Finite element modeling of wellbore stability in a fractured formation for the geothermal development in northern Quebec, Canada,摘要
Previous studies showed that deep geothermal energy can be a promising solution to support Canada's energy transition, which is particularly valuable for remote northern communities. Geological formations containing natural fractures in fault zones of the Canadian Shield prove advantageous for geothermal development from the perspective of permeability enhancement. However, it is crucial to ensure wellbore stabilities throughout the drilling and energy production processes. In remote communities, there is a lack of research investigating the overall performance of boreholes embedded in fractured formations under non-isothermal conditions. Both the sliding along fracture surfaces and yielding of rock matrix can contribute to a borehole failure, but there is limited research covering both in a borehole stability analysis with the consideration of thermal disturbance. In this study, a thermo-hydro-mechanical coupled finite element modeling is conducted to carry out poromechanical analysis of boreholes in fractured rock formations of a potential deep geothermal engineering site in northern Canada. Both plastic yielding in the rock matrix and sliding potential along specific fractures are quantified with the consideration of non-isothermal impacts. The simulation results indicate that the cooling effect should be given attention when drilling through rock formations containing natural fractures as excess pore pressure can be built up due to the enhanced flows through fractures. Even though the fractures are not intersecting with the borehole wall surface, sliding tends to be triggered along tilted fractures. In addition, it is also concluded that more plastic zones tend to be generated due to the cooling effect of drilling fluid. Findings from the present research are also closely relevant to deep geoenergy engineering projects in other studying areas with fractured geological formations.
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