Numerical investigations of upward migration of fracking fluid along a fault zone during and after stimulation

This study investigates the potential contamination as a result of hydraulic fracturing operations in the vicinity of a conductive fault zone. The general aim is to determine and rank key parameters with the most important influence on upward transport of fracking fluid from a hydrocarbon bearing formation (source) towards a shallow groundwater aquifer (receptor) via a conductive fault (pathway). Simulation results show that the fault zone properties and hydraulic fracturing pressure strongly dominate fluid transport towards the aquifer horizon. Nevertheless, the probability of contamination of shallow groundwater from fracturing fluid migration is low.