Integrating microscale modelling with core investigation measurements to improve shale gas production

Natalia Kovalchuk, Constantinos Hadjistassou

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

    Abstract

    Prior to 2008, shale gas reservoirs were deemed uneconomical to produce. Hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling have shifted this perspective, reducing the flow resistance from the reservoir to the well. Notwithstanding the thousands of shale gas wells currently actively producing around the world, factors controlling the permeability and flow behaviour in shale gas formations are still incompletely understood. A profound understanding of the flow processes manifesting in shale gas reservoirs will contribute to more effective Enhanced Gas Recovery (EGR) schemes, ultimate recovery and accurate gas production forecasting. Owing to the micro- and nano-size of pores, transport in shale rocks depends on the pore size and predominantly on pore geometry and tortuosity. To gain new insights into the mechanics of gas production from shale formations, we constructed a geometrically accurate model from an actual shale scanning electron microscope micro-image. Taking into account the pertinent rock and gas parameters (e.g., porosity, permeability, viscosity, etc.) we have determined the gas flow rate, the pressure variations and deduced the production rate at the micro-level. A non-dimensionalization methodology was developed that permits the comparison between micro-scale modelling results with actual core measurements several orders of magnitude larger in special scale. Normalized micro-scale modelling results compare well with actual core data shedding light on some of the important aspects which govern gas flow: geometry, pressure gradient, compressibility, pore throats, and permeability. Moreover, the cumulative gas production for different gases was shown to improve with an increase in the molecular mass of the gases. Ultimately, our efforts aim to tie theoretical understanding with experimental observations deemed significant for boosting the productivity of gas from shale formations.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationSociety of Petroleum Engineers - Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference 2019, ADIP 2019
    PublisherSociety of Petroleum Engineers
    ISBN (Electronic)9781613996720
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2019
    EventAbu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference 2019, ADIP 2019 - Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
    Duration: 11 Nov 201914 Nov 2019

    Publication series

    NameSociety of Petroleum Engineers - Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference 2019, ADIP 2019

    Conference

    ConferenceAbu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference 2019, ADIP 2019
    Country/TerritoryUnited Arab Emirates
    CityAbu Dhabi
    Period11/11/1914/11/19

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