Creep Behavior of Shale Formations in Shale Gas Development

Deformational properties of organic-rich shale formations control the success of hydraulic fracturing process, and affect transport properties during production. Usually these deformational properties cannot be captured by geophysical techniques, which can only measure elastic properties. The relationship between ductile deformation and elastic properties of the shale formation are of significant importance. In order to investigate this relationship, laboratory experiments were conducted on shale gas samples taken from a Marcellus outcrop at State Game Lands 252, located in Lycoming and Union counties, Allenwood, Pennsylvania. Laboratory results indicate that creep behavior is significant in the shale samples. Also, close agreement between experimental and power law model results for creep behavior of shale samples were found.