Xuhao Fan
State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Engineering, China University of Petroleum （Beijing）, Beijing 102249, China
China University of Petroleum （Beijing）
Xuhao Fan is currently a Doctoral candidate in Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering at the China University of Petroleum, Beijing, where he also completed his Master’s degree. His research focuses on geomechanics and unconventional reservoir stimulation, with a specific specialization in the mechanisms of CO₂ foam fracturing in deep coal seams.
Fan has made significant contributions to the understanding of fracture propagation in deep coal rock. As a core researcher, he led a comprehensive study involving 28 sets of true and pseudo-triaxial fracturing experiments. By systematically comparing conventional fracturing fluids with liquid/supercritical CO₂ and CO₂ foam, he demonstrated that CO₂-based systems could reduce rock breakdown pressure by up to 33.3% and significantly enhance the complexity of fracture networks. To complement these experimental findings, Fan independently developed a Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical-Damage (THMD) multi-physics coupled numerical model within the COMSOL framework, providing a theoretical basis for optimizing fracturing designs in "limestone-coal-mudstone" formations.
His work has been recognized by the international academic community. He co-authored a study on fracture initiation and expansion in coal rock via CO₂ foam fracturing, presented at the 58th U.S. Rock Mechanics/Geomechanics Symposium (ARMA). Additionally, his research on the synergistic effects of N₂/CO₂ hybrid foam as a fracturing fluid has been accepted for presentation at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition & Conference (ADIPEC). Combining advanced numerical simulation skills with hands-on experimental expertise, Fan is dedicated to advancing technologies for efficient energy extraction and carbon sequestration.
Participates in
TECHNICAL PROGRAMME | Primary Energy Supply
This study presents a systematic investigation of CO2-EHF, including its fracturing mechanisms, fluid system development, operational design and field trials. We conducted experimental studies to analyze fracture propagation and proppant transport behaviors. A novel fracturing fluid system was developed by evaluating the influence of various polymer functional groups on critical fluid properties such as friction reduction, CO2 solubility, and viscosity. Furthermore, a new operational design methodology was established based on a multi-physics coupled numerical model. The effectiveness of the proposed model and fluid system was successfully validated through field trials in three wells in the Ordos Basin, China.
The findings reveal that CO2 effectively exploits natural weak plane by inducing mineral dissolution, degrading rock strength, and enhancing diffusion. This results in a substantial 30-40% decrease in rock breakdown pressure and the development of complex fracture networks dominated by shear. The utilization of high-viscosity CO2 fracturing fluids improves proppant transport and placement, ensuring effective fracture support. Specifically, custom-engineered materials exhibit outstanding performance: a drag reducer reduces friction in liquid CO2 by 12.9%, while a thickener increases CO2 viscosity by up to 68 times. More importantly, the optimization algorithms successfully guided a CO2 Pre-flush Hybrid Fracturing trial in the Ordos Basin, leading to a sustained production increase of over 37% through precise parameter adjustments, validating both the technical feasibility and economic viability of this approach.
This study pioneers a more sustainable and effective methodology for CO2 fracturing in unconventional reservoirs, significantly contributing to the advancement of a greener energy future.
Co-author/s:
Haizhu WANG, State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Engineering, China University of Petroleum
Xianzhi SONG, State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Engineering, China University of Petroleum
Bing WANG, State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Engineering, China University of Petroleum
Boxin Ding, State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Engineering, China University of Petroleum
Dr. Yaochen Zhang, State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Engineering, China University of Petroleum
Zelong Mao, State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Engineering, China University of Petroleum
