(664a) A Comprehensive Investigation of Pore Body Size Characterization of Shale Formation

Unconventional gas (shale gas) is the cleanest fossil and plays a vital role as we transition to the low-carbon economy. The pore body size distribution is an important feature that controls gas storage and displacement in shale formations. We will present a detailed discussion of the pore-body size characterization. Our objective is to provide a comprehensive discussion of recent advances in the last decade.

The presentation will clarify the importance of pore body distribution and when it controls the transport properties. We will also discuss the standard techniques required for such characterization: nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), gas adsorption, and mercury intrusion capillary pressure (MICP). We will clarify the advantages and disadvantages of the three methods. In addition, we will review relevant models used for interpretation. Further, we will highlight the effects of mineralogy and organic content.

The presented results will have applications for comprehensive pore size characterization of unconventional gas. It will review the most recent advances for characterizing pore-scale features within the last decade.