CAVITATION-BASED HYDRO-FRACTURING SIMULATOR

摘要

An apparatus 300 for simulating a pulsed pressure induced cavitation technique (PPCT) from a pressurized working fluid (F) provides laboratory research and development for enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), oil, and gas wells. A pump 304 is configured to deliver a pressurized working fluid (F) to a control valve 306, which produces a pulsed pressure wave in a test chamber 308. The pulsed pressure wave parameters are defined by the pump 304 pressure and control valve 306 cycle rate. When a working fluid (F) and a rock specimen 312 are included in the apparatus, the pulsed pressure wave causes cavitation to occur at the surface of the specimen 312, thus initiating an extensive network of fracturing surfaces and micro fissures, which are examined by researchers.

主权项

1. An apparatus for generating a pulsed pressure induced cavitation technique from a pressurized working fluid to simulate the hydrofracturing of a specimen when the working fluid and the specimen are installed in the apparatus, the apparatus comprising:
a pump that is fluidly coupled between a reservoir and a control valve, said control valve having an open position and a closed position, said pump capable of raising the pressure of an installed working fluid at said control valve; a test chamber for holding the installed specimen, said test chamber being fluidly coupled to said control valve and receiving the installed working fluid from said control valve when said control valve is in the open position; wherein positioning said control valve in the open position causes the installed working fluid to flow into said test chamber as a pressure pulse, causing cavitation to occur at the installed specimen.