Analysis of Cuttings’ Minerals for Multistage Hydraulic Fracturing Optimization in Volcanic Rocks

[Image: see text] The fracturing of naturally fractured volcanic rocks has a significant impact on the logging due to the high degree of volcanic fracture development and the complex distribution of fractures. Such impact ultimately leads to the difficulty in determining the location of fracturing perforations and the increase in engineering costs. This article proposed a method of analyzing cuttings for geologging that return to the ground when drilling. After cleaning and further processing of the cuttings, samples at every depth are formed. Then, an electron microscope and supporting processing software are used to calculate the parameters of the sample at each depth and the rock mechanical parameters in the target well section based on the mineral content. Compared with mud logging data, the mineral analysis method of rock cuttings costs less time, and the materials are easier to obtain, thereby providing richer data. This method has an important guiding role for the selection of perforation positions in large-scale hydraulic fracturing.