Technology

ORNL Research: Good Vibrations—Neutrons Lend Insight into Acoustic Fracking

A team of researchers at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory is using a combination of neutron and x-ray scattering to make the hydraulic fracturing safer and more efficient.

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Photo Courtesry: ORNL


Video caption: Neutron imaging reveals in situ fluid flow behaviors in shale and limestone via an optimized fracturing method using acoustic waves. The three vignettes illustrate the comparison between acoustic fractured and unfractured limestones; the complexity of flow patterns in shale during acoustic stimulation; and the complexity of the shale fracture network when mapped in 3-dimensions.

A team of researchers at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory are using a combination of neutron and x-ray scattering to improve hydraulic fracturing by blasting wellbores with acoustic energy. This would enhance the ability of the fracturing process to penetrate fractures in wells and drastically reduce the amounts of water and chemicals needed.

Read about their research here.