Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Experimental protocols to determine reliable organic geochemistry and geomechanical screening criteria for shales

  • Published:
Journal of Earth System Science Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Unconventional shale petroleum systems, owing to their petroleum generation and storage properties have gained tremendous exploitation and research interest in recent years. Moreover, their emergence as potential atmospheric carbon dioxide sinks has further warranted a detailed examination of their multiple properties. Laboratory geochemical screening and geomechanical investigations provide valuable information for classifying these reservoirs. Although some guidelines exist for conducting such analyses, the analytical methods and sampling techniques applied do influence the quality of the derived measurements. For laboratory geochemical screening using the Rock-Eval technique, various factors including sample grain size, type of kerogen, sample quantity, and nature of S2 and S4 curves, all substantially influence the quality of the data generated. In this work, we summarize the different factors that influence the data generated from Rock-Eval analysis and recommend a method that involves optimization of sample weight and sizes for the generation of reliable geochemical data. A new emerging technology in the field of organic petrography for the simultaneous characterization of organic and inorganic phases in shales has also been discussed. Once source-rock potential of the shale formation is ascertained, the next step is a selection of suitable target shale reservoir zones, and designing successful hydraulic fracturing programs for the exploitation of the reservoir. For this purpose, detailed knowledge of geomechanical properties is essential. However, the quantity of intact shale-core samples recovered from coring operations is typically insufficient for reliably analyzing geomechanical properties by applying the established standards. A comparison is made between the uniaxial compressive strength and Young's modulus measurements on shale specimens of different length-to-diameter ratios. It reveals that specimens smaller than the recommended standard exhibit unacceptable variations in the values of strength and elastic parameters they generate. To overcome this, it is justified to use alternative techniques suited to the small sample sizes typically recovered in borehole shale cores. For instance, a punching tool and nanoindentation, which require small sample sizes, can both be used to reliably analyze geomechanical properties in circumstances where larger shale samples are not available from borehole zones of interest.

Research highlights

  • Sample handling and preparation is critical for producing reliable data from geochemical and geomechanical screening measurements of shales.

  • Sample weight and sizes have significant influence on the quality of the geochemical data generated using Rock-Eval technique.

  • Optical-electron correlative microscopy- a new tool for shale heterogeneity study

  • Critical evaluation of the generated pyrograms is necessary before accepting the Rock-Eval measurements.

  • The limited shale core sample availability issues can be mitigated using techniques like punching-tool and nano-indentation which are specifically tailored for small samples.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
Figure 9
Figure 10

Adapted from Edvardsen et al. (2021).

Figure 11

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Addis M A 2017 The geology of geomechanics: Petroleum geomechanical engineering in field development planning; Geol. Soc., London, Spec. Publ. 458(1) 7–29.

  • Akhondzadeh H, Keshavarz A, Al-Yaseri A Z, Ali M, Awan F U R, Wang X, Yang Y, Iglauer S and Lebedev M 2020 Pore-scale analysis of coal cleat network evolution through liquid nitrogen treatment: A Micro-Computed Tomography investigation; Int. J. Coal Geol. 219 103370.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Akono A T and Kabir P 2016 Nano-scale characterization of organic-rich shale via indentation methods; In: New frontiers in oil and gas exploration, Springer, Cham., pp. 209–233.

  • Ali T A and Sheng J J 2015 Evaluation of the effect of stress-dependent permeability on production performance in shale gas reservoirs; In: SPE Eastern Regional Meeting, OnePetro.

  • Ali M, Shar A M, Mahesar A A, Al-Yaseri A, Yekeen N, Memon K R, Keshavarz A and Hoteit H 2022 Experimental evaluation of liquid nitrogen fracturing on the development of tight gas carbonate rocks in the Lower Indus Basin, Pakistan; Fuel 309 122192.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • ASTM 1994 American Society for Testing and Materials. Annual book of ASTM standards, Vol. 04.08, Philadeplhia, PA, USA.

  • ASTM 2000 American Society for Testing and Materials. Annual book of ASTM standards, Vol. 04.08, Philadeplhia, PA, USA.

  • ASTM 2007 American Society for Testing and Materials. Standard Practice for Instrumented Indentation Testing, E2546-07, Vol. 03.01, Philadelphia, USA.

  • ASTM 2008 Standard test method for performing laboratory direct shear strength tests of rock specimens under constant normal force. ASTM International, West Conshohocken, 12.

  • Basu S, Jones A and Mahzari P 2020 Best practices for shale core handling: Transportation, sampling and storage for conduction of analyses; J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 8(2).

  • Behar F, Beaumont V and Penteado H D B 2001 Rock-Eval 6 technology: Performances and developments; Oil Gas Sci. Technol. 56(2) 111–134.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bennett K C, Berla L A, Nix W D and Borja R I 2015 Instrumented nanoindentation and 3D mechanistic modeling of a shale at multiple scales; Acta Geotech. 10(1) 1–14.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bobji M S and Biswas S K 1999 Deconvolution of hardness from data obtained from nanoindentation of rough surfaces; J. Mater. Res. 14(6) 2259–2268.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boulenouar A, Mighani S, Pourpak H, Bernabé Y and Evans B 2017 Mechanical properties of Vaca Muerta shales from nano-indentation tests; In: 51st US Rock Mechanics/Geomechanics Symposium, OnePetro.

  • Bustin A M and Bustin R M 2012 Importance of rock properties on the producibility of gas shales; Int. J. Coal Geol. 103 132–147.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cala M, Cyran K, Kawa M, Kolano M, Lydzba D, Pachnicz M, Rajczakowska M, Rózanski A, Sobótka M, Stefaniuk D and Stopkowicz A 2017 Identification of microstructural properties of shale by combined use of X-ray micro-CT and nanoindentation tests; In: ISRM European Rock Mechanics Symposium-EUROCK, OnePetro.

  • Camp W K 2013 Enhancing sem grayscale images through pseudocolor conversion: Examples from Eagle Ford, Haynesville, and Marcellus shales; In: SPE/AAPG/SEG URTeC, OnePetro.

  • Carvajal-Ortiz H and Gentzis T 2015 Critical considerations when assessing hydrocarbon plays using Rock-Eval pyrolysis and organic petrology data: Data quality revisited; Int. J. Coal Geol. 152 113–122.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chandra D and Vishal V 2020 A comparison of nano-scale pore attributes of Barakar Formation gas shales from Raniganj and Wardha Basin, India using low pressure sorption and FEG-SEM analysis; J. Nat. Gas Eng. 81 103453.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chandra D and Vishal V 2021 A critical review on pore to continuum scale imaging techniques for enhanced shale gas recovery; Earth-Sci. Rev. 217 103638.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chandra D, Vishal V, Bahadur J and Sen D 2020 A novel approach to identify accessible and inaccessible pores in gas shales using combined low-pressure sorption and SAXS/SANS analysis; Int. J. Coal Geol. 228 103556.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chandra D, Vishal V, Bahadur J, Agrawal A K, Das A, Hazra B and Sen D 2022 Nano-scale physicochemical attributes and their impact on pore heterogeneity in shale; Fuel 314 123070.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chandra D, Bakshi T, Bahadur J, Hazra B, Vishal V, Kumar S, Sen D and Singh T N 2023 Pore morphology in thermally-treated shales and its implication on CO2 storage applications: A gas sorption, SEM, and small-angle scattering study; Fuel 331 125877.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen Z, Liu X, Guo Q, Jiang C and Mort A 2017a Inversion of source rock hydrocarbon generation kinetics from Rock-Eval data; Fuel 194 91–101.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen Z, Guo Q, Jiang C and Liu X 2017b Source rock characteristics and Rock-Eval-based hydrocarbon generation kinetic models of the lacustrine Chang-7 Shale of Triassic Yanchang Formation, Ordos Basin, China; Int. J. Coal Geol. 182 52–65.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cheng P, Zhang C P, Ma Z Y, Zhou J P, Zhang D C, Liu X F, Chen H and Ranjith P G 2022 Experimental study of micromechanical properties alterations of shale matrix treated by ScCO2-water saturation using nanoindentation tests; Energy 242 122965.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Curtis J B 2002 Fractured shale-gas systems; AAPG Bull. 86(11) 1921–1938.

    Google Scholar 

  • De Block M, Bonijoly D, Hofmann A, Power M, Rigollet C and Simpson M 2014 Shale geomechanics – A nano-indentation application; In: Proceedings 76th EAGE Conf. Exhib. Work. EAGE Publications BV cp-401.

  • Delle Piane C, Ansari H, Li Z, Mata J, Rickard W, Pini R, Dewhurst D N and Sherwood N 2022 Influence of organic matter type on porosity development in the Wufeng-Longmaxi Shale: A combined microscopy, neutron scattering and physisorption approach; Int. J. Coal Geol. 249 103880.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dembicki Jr H 2009 Three common source rock evaluation errors made by geologists during prospect or play appraisals; AAPG Bull. 93(3) 341–356.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Disnar J R, Guillet B, Kéravis D, Di-Giovanni C and Sebag D 2003 Soil organic matter (SOM) characterization by Rock-Eval pyrolysis: Scope and limitations; Org. Geochem. 34(3) 327–343.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dow W G 1977 Kerogen studies and geological interpretations; J. Geochem. Explor. 7 79–99.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Du H and Radonjic M 2019 The mechanism of fracture initiation in shale rocks: Pottsville cap-rock-shale vs. Marcellus unconventional reservoir-shale; In: 53rd US Rock Mechanics/Geomechanics Symposium, OnePetro.

  • Du H, Radonjic M and Chen Y 2020 Microstructure and micro-geomechanics evaluation of Pottsville and Marcellus shales; J. Pet. Sci. Eng. 195 107876.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Edvardsen L, Bhuiyan M H, Cerasi P R and Bjørge R 2021 Fast evaluation of caprock strength sensitivity to different CO2 solutions using small sample techniques; Rock Mech. Rock Eng. 54(12) 6123–6133.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Epstein A G, Epstein J B and Harris L D 1977 Conodont color alteration: An index to organic metamorphism; U.S. Geol. Surv. Prof. Pap. 995 27.

  • Ercegovac M and Kostić A 2006 Organic facies and palynofacies: Nomenclature, classification and applicability for petroleum source rock evaluation; Int. J. Coal Geol. 68(1–2) 70–78.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Esatyana E, Sakhaee-Pour A, Sadooni F N and Al-Kuwari H A S 2020 Nanoindentation of shale cuttings and its application to core measurements; Petrophysics: The SPWLA Journal of Formation Evaluation and Reservoir Description 61(05) 404–416.

  • Eshkalak M O, Mohaghegh S D and Esmaili S 2014 Geomechanical properties of unconventional shale reservoirs; J. Pet. Eng. 1–10.

  • Espitalié J, Madec M, Tissot B, Mennig J J and Leplat P 1977 Source rock characterization method for petroleum exploration; In: Offshore Technology Conference, OnePetro.

  • Godec M, Koperna G, Petrusak R and Oudinot A 2013 Potential for enhanced gas recovery and CO2 storage in the Marcellus shale in the Eastern United States; Int. J. Coal Geol. 118 95–104.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gottardi R, Adams L M, Borrok D and Teixeira B 2019 Hydrocarbon source rock characterization, burial history, and thermal maturity of the Steele, Niobrara and Mowry Formations at Teapot Dome, Wyoming; Mar. Pet. Geol. 100 326–340.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Guan A K Y 2016 Small scale tests of creep in Pierre Shale, Master’s thesis, NTNU.

  • Guo Z, Chapman M and Li X 2012 Exploring the effect of fractures and microstructure on brittleness index in the Barnett Shale; Soc. Explor. Geophys. Int. Expo. 82nd Annu. Meet. 2012, SEG 2401–2405.

  • Gupta I, Rai C, Sondergeld C and Hofmann R 2019 Water weakening: A laboratory study of Marcellus, Woodford, Eagle Ford, and Wolfcamp Shales; SPE Reserv. Eval. Eng. 22(2) 418–427.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gupta I, Sondergeld C and Rai C 2020 Fracture toughness in shales using nano-indentation; J. Pet. Sci. Eng. 191(February) 107222.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hackley P C and Cardott B J 2016 Application of organic petrography in North American shale petroleum systems: A review; Int. J. Coal Geol. 163 8–51.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hackley P C and Lewan M 2018 Understanding and distinguishing reflectance measurements of solid bitumen and vitrinite using hydrous pyrolysis: Implications to petroleum assessment; AAPG Bull. 102 1119–1140.

  • Hackley P C, Valentine B J, Voortman L M, Van Oosten Slingeland D S and Hatcherian J 2017 Utilization of integrated correlative light and electron microscopy (iCLEM) for imaging sedimentary organic matter; J. Microsc. 267(3) 371–383.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hackley P C, Jubb A M, McAleer R J, Valentine B J and Birdwell J E 2021 A review of spatially resolved techniques and applications of organic petrography in shale petroleum systems; Int. J. Coal Geol. 241 103745.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Han Y, Abousleiman Y N, Hull K L and Al-Muntasheri G A 2017 Numerical modeling of elastic spherical contact for Mohr-Coulomb type failures in micro-geomaterials; Exp. Mech. 57(7) 1091–1105.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Handwerger D A, Suarez-Rivera R, Vaughn K I and Keller J F 2012 Methods improve shale core analysis; Am. Oil Gas Reporter 55(12) 80–89.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hazra B, Dutta S and Kumar S 2017 TOC calculation of organic matter rich sediments using Rock-Eval pyrolysis: Critical consideration and insights; Int. J. Coal Geol. 169 106–115.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hazra B, Wood D A, Kumar S, Saha S, Dutta S, Kumari P and Singh A K 2018a Fractal disposition, porosity characterization and relationships to thermal maturity for the Lower Permian Raniganj Basin Shales, India; J. Nat. Gas Sci. Eng. 59 452–465.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hazra B, Wood D A, Vishal V and Singh A K 2018b Pore characteristics of distinct thermally mature shales: Influence of particle size on low-pressure CO2 and N2 adsorption; Energ. Fuel. 32(8) 8175–8186.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hazra B, Wood D A, Varma A K, Sarkar B C, Tiwari B and Singh A K 2018c Insights into the effects of matrix retention and inert carbon on the petroleum generation potential of Indian Gondwana shales; Mar. Pet. Geol. 91 125–138.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hazra B, Wood D A, Mani D, Singh P K and Singh A K 2019a Source-rock geochemistry: Organic content, type, and maturity. In Evaluation of shale source rocks and reservoirs; Springer, Cham., pp. 7–17.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Hazra B, Karacan C Ö, Tiwari D M, Singh P K and Singh A K 2019b Insights from Rock-Eval analysis on the influence of sample weight on hydrocarbon generation from lower permian organic matter rich rocks, West Bokaro Basin, India; Mar. Pet. Geol. 106(May) 160–170.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hazra B, Vishal V and Singh D P 2020a Applicability of low-pressure CO2 and N2 adsorption in determining pore attributes of organic-rich shales and coals; Energ. Fuel. 35(1) 456–464.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hazra B, Sarkar P, Chakraborty P, Mahato A, Raghuvanshi G, Singh P K, Singh A K and Mukherjee A 2020b Coal combustion analysis using Rock-Eval: Importance of S4-Tpeak; Arab. J. Geosci. 13(12) 1–10.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hazra B, Singh D P, Crosdale P J, Singh V, Singh P K, Gangopadhyay M and Chakraborty P 2021a Critical insights from Rock-Eval analysis of vitrains; Int. J. Coal Geol. 238 103717.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hazra B, Singh D P, Chakraborty P, Singh P K, Sahu S G and Adak A K 2021b Using rock-eval S4Tpeak as thermal maturity proxy for shales; Mar. Pet. Geol 127 104977.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hazra B, Vishal V, Sethi C and Chandra D 2022 Impact of supercritical CO2 on shale reservoirs and its implication for CO2 sequestration; Energ. Fuel. 36(17) 9882–9903.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Heller R and Zoback M 2014 Adsorption of methane and carbon dioxide on gas shale and pure mineral samples; J. Unconv. Oil Gas Resour. 8(C) 14–24.

  • Hill D G and Nelson C R 2000 Gas productive fractured shales: An overview and update; Gas Tips 6(3) 4–13.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hobbs D W 1964 The tensile strength of rocks; Int. J. Rock Mech. Min. Sci. Geomech. Abstr. 1(3) 385–396.

  • Holden T, Pendrel J, Jenson F and Mesdag P 2012 Rock properties for success in shales; Jascon CGG 1–11.

  • Hou B, Zeng Y, Fan M and Li D 2018 Brittleness evaluation of shale based on the Brazilian Splitting Test; Geofluids 2018.

  • Hu Y 2018 Brittleness and fracability evaluation of unconventional reservoirs; 1–143.

  • Iferobia C C and Ahmad M A 2020 Review on the experimental techniques and applications in the geomechanical evaluation of shale gas reservoirs; J. Nat. Gas Sci. Eng. 74 103090.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • İnan S, Henderson S and Qathami S 2017 Oxidation Tmax: A new thermal maturity indicator for hydrocarbon source rocks; Org. Geochem. 113 254–261.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • İnan S, Al Badairy H, İnan T and Al Zahrani A 2018 Formation and occurrence of organic matter-hosted porosity in shales; Int. J. Coal Geol. 199 39–51.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Inan S, Yalçin M N and Mann U 1998 Expulsion of oil from petroleum source rocks: Inferences from pyrolysis of samples of unconventional grain size; Org. Geochem. 29(1–3) 45–61.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • ISRM 2007 The complete ISRM suggested methods for rock characterization, testing and monitoring: 1974–2006; In: Suggested methods prepared by the commission on testing methods (eds) Ulusay R and Hudson J A, ISRM, Compilation arranged by the ISRM Turkish National Group, Kozan ofset, Ankara.

  • Iyare U C, Blake O O and Ramsook R 2021 Estimating the uniaxial compressive strength of Argillites using Brazilian Tensile Strength, ultrasonic wave velocities, and elastic properties; Rock Mech. Rock Eng. 54(4) 2067–2078.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jarvie D M 2012a Shale resource systems for oil and gas: Part 1—Shale–gas resource systems; In: Shale reservoirs—Giant resources for the 21st century (ed.) Breyer J A, AAPG Memoir 97 69–87.

  • Jarvie D M 2012b Shale resource systems for oil and gas: Part 2—Shale–oil resource systems; In: Shale reservoirs—Giant resources for the 21st century (ed.) Breyer J A, AAPG Memoir 97 89–119.

  • Jarvie D M, Hill R J, Ruble T E and Pollastro R M 2007 Unconventional Shale-Gas Systems: The Mississippian Barnett Shale of North-Central Texas as One Model for Thermogenic Shale-Gas assessment; Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol. Bull. 91(4) 475–499.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jin Z, Li W, Jin C, Hambleton J and Cusatis G 2018 Anisotropic elastic, strength, and fracture properties of Marcellus Shale; Int. J. Rock Mech. Min. Sci. 109(May) 124–137.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Josh M, Esteban L, Delle Piane C, Sarout J, Dewhurst D N and Clennell M B 2012 Laboratory characterisation of shale properties; J. Pet. Sci. Eng. 88 107–124.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Khangar R G, Mendhe V A, Varma A K, Mishra V K and Pandey S 2021 Organo-inorganic facets of shale gas reservoir of Jharia Basin of Damodar Valley, India; J. Nat. Gas Sci. Eng. 95(July) 104176.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kim J Y, Lee J J, Lee Y H, Jang J I and Kwon D 2006 Surface roughness effect in instrumented indentation: A simple contact depth model and its verification; J. Mater. Res. 21(12) 2975–2978.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • King G E 2010 Thirty years of gas shale fracturing: What have we learned? In: SPE Annu. Tech. Conf. Exhib., OnePetro.

  • Kuila U and Prasad M 2013 Specific surface area and pore-size distribution in clays and shales; Geophys. Prospect. 61(2) 341–362.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kumar V, Curtis M E, Gupta N, Sondergeld C H and Rai C S 2012a Estimation of elastic properties of organic matter and Woodford Shale through nano-indentation measurements; Soc. Pet. Eng. - SPE Can. Unconv. Resour. Conf. 2012, CURC 2012, pp. 1218–1228.

  • Kumar V, Sondergeld C H and Rai C S 2012b Nano to macro mechanical characterization of shale; In: SPE Annu. Tech. Conf., OnePetro.

  • Labani M M and Rezaee R 2015 The importance of geochemical parameters and shale composition on rock mechanical properties of gas shale reservoirs: A case study from the Kockatea Shale and Carynginia formation from the Perth Basin, Western Australia; Rock Mech. Rock Eng. 48(3) 1249–1257.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lafargue E, Marquis F and Pillot D 1998 Rock-Eval 6 applications in hydrocarbon exploration, production, and soil contamination studies; Rev. Inst. Francais. Pétrole 53(4) 421–437.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee J S, Smallwood L and Morgan E 2014 New application of rebound hardness numbers to generate logging of unconfined compressive strength in laminated shale formations; In: 48th US Rock Mech/Geomech Symp., OnePetro.

  • Li J, Li P, Zhou S, Meng B, Sun Z and Zhang X 2021 Opposite contributions of types I and II organic matter to nanoporosity in Lacustrine Shale; Nat. Resour. Res. 30(6) 4843–4859.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu K, Ostadhassan M and Bubach B 2016 Applications of nano-indentation methods to estimate nanoscale mechanical properties of shale reservoir rocks; J. Nat. Gas. Sci. Eng. 35 1310–1319.

  • Liu K, Ostadhassan M, Zhou J, Gentzis T and Rezaee R 2017 Nanoscale pore structure characterization of the Bakken shale in the USA; Fuel 209 567–578.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu B, Song Y, Zhu K, Su P, Ye X and Zhao W 2020a Mineralogy and element geochemistry of salinized Lacustrine organic-rich shale in the middle Permian Santanghu Basin: Implications for paleoenvironment, provenance, tectonic setting and shale oil potential; Mar. Pet. Geol. 120 104569.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu B, Teng J, Mastalerz M and Schieber J 2020b Assessing the thermal maturity of black shales using vitrinite reflectance: Insights from Devonian black shales in the eastern United States; Int. J. Coal Geol. 220 103426.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu B, Mastalerz M and Schieber J 2022 SEM petrography of dispersed organic matter in black shales: A review; Earth-Sci. Rev. 224 103874.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Loucks R G, Reed R M, Ruppel S C and Jarvie D M 2009 Morphology, genesis, and distribution of nanometer-scale pores in siliceous mudstones of the Mississippian Barnett Shale; J. Sediment. Res. 79(12) 848–861.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Loucks R G, Reed R M, Ruppel S C and Hammes U 2012 Spectrum of pore types and networks in mudrocks and a descriptive classification for matrix-related mudrock pores; AAPG Bull. 96(6) 1071–1098.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Luffel D L, Hopkins C W and Schettler P D 1993 Matrix permeability measurement of gas productive shales; In: SPE Annu. Tech. Conf., OnePetro.

  • Ma Z, Gamage R P and Zhang C 2020 Application of nanoindentation technology in rocks: A review; Geomech. Geophys. Geo-Energy Geo-Resour. 6(4) 1–27.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mahesar A A, Ali M, Shar A M, Memon K R, Mohanty U S, Akhondzadeh H, Tunio A H, Iglauer S and Keshavarz A 2020 Effect of cryogenic liquid nitrogen on the morphological and petrophysical characteristics of tight gas sandstone rocks from Kirthar Fold Belt, Indus Basin, Pakistan; Energ. Fuel. 34(11) 14,548–14,559.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Małachowska A, Lis G P, Mastalerz M, Goodarzi F and Sanei H 2022 The effect of paleo-environment on hydrocarbon generation potential: Example from Vaca Muerta Formation, Neuquén Basin, Argentina; J. Pet. Sci. Eng. 208 109342.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mastalerz M, He L, Melnichenko Y B and Rupp J A 2012 Porosity of coal and shale: Insights from gas adsorption and SANS/USANS techniques; Energ. Fuel. 26(8) 5109–5120.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mba K and Prasad M 2010 Mineralogy and its contribution to anisotropy and kerogen stiffness variations with maturity in the Bakken Shales; In: SEG Tech. Program Expand Abstr. 2612–2616. Society of Exploration Geophysicists.

  • Memon K R, Mahesar A A, Ali M, Tunio A H, Mohanty U S, Akhondzadeh H, Awan F U R, Iglauer S and Keshavarz A 2020 Influence of cryogenic liquid nitrogen on petro-physical characteristics of Mancos Shale: An experimental investigation; Energ. Fuel. 34(2) 2160–2168.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Memon K R, Ali M, Awan F U R, Mahesar A A, Abbasi G R, Mohanty U S, Akhondzadeh H, Tunio A H, Iglauer S and Keshavarz A 2021 Influence of cryogenic liquid nitrogen cooling and thermal shocks on petro-physical and morphological characteristics of Eagle Ford shale; J. Nat. Gas. Sci. Eng. 96 104313.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Meng F, Wong L N Y and Zhou H 2021 Rock brittleness indices and their applications to different fields of rock engineering: A review; J. Rock Mech. Geotech. Eng. 13(1) 221–247.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mews K S, Alhubail M M and Barati R G 2019 A review of brittleness index correlations for unconventional tight and ultra-tight reservoirs; Geoscience 9(7) 1–21.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Miller M, Bobko C, Vandamme M and Ulm F J 2008 Surface roughness criteria for cement paste nanoindentation; Cem. Concr. Res. 38(4) 467–476.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Milliken K L, Rudnicki M, Awwiller D N and Zhang T 2013 Organic matter–hosted pore system, Marcellus formation (Devonian), Pennsylvania; AAPG Bull. 97(2) 177–200.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Milner M, McLin R and Petriello J 2010 Imaging texture and porosity in mudstones and shales: Comparison of secondary and ion-milled backscatter SEM methods; In: Canadian Unconventional Resources and International Petroleum Conference, OnePetro.

  • Mokhtari M, Alqahtani A A and Tutuncu A N 2013 Impacts of stress, natural and induced fractures on mechanical properties of organic-rich shales; In: SPE/AAPG/SEG Unconventional Resources Technology Conference, OnePetro.

  • Nazir R, Momeni E, Armaghani D J and Amin M M 2013 Correlation between unconfined compressive strength and indirect tensile strength of limestone rock samples; Electron. J. Geotech. Eng. 18(1) 1737–1746.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nes O M, Horsrud P, Sonstebo E F, Holt R M, Ese A M, Okland D and Kjorholt H 1998 Rig site and laboratory use of CWT acoustic velocity measurements on cuttings; SPE Reserv. Eval. Eng. 1(04) 282–287.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nguyen V X, Abousleiman Y N and Hoang S 2007 Analyses of wellbore instability in drilling through chemically active fractured rock formations: Nahr Umr Shale; In: SPE Middle East Oil and Gas Show and Conference, OnePetro.

  • Ortega J A, Ulm F J and Abousleiman Y 2010 The effect of particle shape and grain-scale properties of shale: A micromechanics approach; Int. J. Numer. Anal. Methods Geomech. 34(11) 1124–1156.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ozkan E, Brown M, Raghavan R and Kazemi H 2009 Comparison of fractured horizontal-well performance in conventional and unconventional reservoirs; SPE West. Reg. Meet. 2009 - Proc. 345–360.

  • Petersen H I 2006 The petroleum generation potential and effective oil window of humic coals related to coal composition and age; Int. J. Coal. Geol. 67(4) 221–248.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Poot A, Quik J T, Veld H and Koelmans A A 2009 Quantification methods of Black Carbon: Comparison of Rock-Eval analysis with traditional methods; J. Chromatogr. A 1216(3) 613–622.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Price L C and Baker C E 1985 Suppression of vitrinite reflectance in amorphous rich kerogen – a major unrecognized problem; J. Pet. Geol. 8(1) 59–84.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Raghuvanshi G, Chakraborty P, Hazra B, Adak A K, Singh P K, Singh A K and Singh V 2020 Pyrolysis and combustion behavior of few high-ash Indian coals; Int. J. Coal Prep. Util. 1–21.

  • Repetski J E, Ryder R T, Harper J A and Trippi M H 2006 Thermal maturity patterns in the Ordovician and Devonian of Pennsylvania using conodont color alteration index (CAI) and vitrinite reflectance (% Ro); Northeast. Environ. Sci. 28(3) 266–294.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ross D J K and Marc Bustin R 2009 The importance of shale composition and pore structure upon gas storage potential of shale gas reservoirs; Mar. Pet. Geol. 26(6) 916–927.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sandberg C A, Poole F G and Gutschick R C 1980 Devonian and Mississippian stratigraphy and conodont zonation of Pilot and Chainman shales, Confusion Range, Utah; Rocky Mountain Section (SEPM).

  • Sanei H, Stasiuk L D and Goodarzi F 2005 Petrological changes occurring in organic matter from recent lacustrine sediments during thermal alteration by Rock–Eval pyrolysis; Org. Geochem. 36 1190–1203.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schön J H 2015 Geomechanical properties; In: Developments in Petroleum Science, Elsevier 65 269–300.

  • Sebag D, Verrecchia E P, Cécillon L, Adatte T, Albrecht R, Aubert M, Bureau F, Cailleau G, Copard Y, Decaens T and Disnar J R 2016 Dynamics of soil organic matter based on new Rock-Eval indices; Geoderma 284 185–203.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sethi C, Hazra B and Singh A K 2022 Using optical-electron correlative microscopy for Rajmahal Basin shales, India – new insights; In: 73rd Annual Meeting & Symposium of the International Committee for Coal & Organic Petrology.

  • Shi X, Jiang S, Wang Z, Bai B, Xiao D and Tang M 2020 Application of nanoindentation technology for characterizing the mechanical properties of shale before and after supercritical CO2 fluid treatment; J. CO2 Util. 37 158–172.

  • Shukla P, Kumar V, Curtis M, Sondergeld C H and Rai C S 2013 Nanoindentation studies on shales; In: 47th US Rock Mechanics/Geomechanics Symposium, OnePetro.

  • Shukla P, Taneja S, Sondergeld C and Rai C 2015 Nanoindentation measurements on rock; In: Fracture, fatigue, failure, and damage evolution, Springer, Cham. 5 99–105.

  • Singh D P, Singh V, Singh P K and Hazra B 2021a Source rock properties and pore structural features of distinct thermally mature Permian Shales from South Rewa and Jharia Basins, India; Arab. J. Geosci. 14(10) 1–16.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Singh D P, Hazra B, Wood D A and Singh P K 2021b Hydrocarbon generation and kinetics: A case study of Permian Shales, India; J. Asian Earth Sci. 222 104960.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Singh D P, Hazra B, Singh V and Singh P K 2022 Review on organic porosity in shale reservoirs; In: Handbook of Petroleum Geoscience: Exploration, characterization, and exploitation of hydrocarbon reservoirs, 151p.

  • Snowdon L R 1995 Rock-Eval Tmax suppression: Documentation and amelioration; AAPG Bull. 79(9) 1337–1348.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sone H and Zoback M D 2013 Mechanical properties of shale-gas reservoir rocks – Part 1: Static and dynamic elastic properties and anisotropy; Geophysics 78(5).

  • Staplin F L 1982 Determination of thermal alteration index from color of exinite (pollen, spores); In: How to assess maturation and paleotemperatures (eds) Staplin F L et al., SEPM Short Course 7 7–11.

  • Stenebraten J F, Sonstebo E F, Lavrov A V, Fjaer E and Haaland S 2008 The shale puncher – a compact tool for fast testing of small shale samples; In: The 42nd US Rock Mechanics Symposium (USRMS), OnePetro.

  • Suárez-Ruiz I, Flores D, Mendonça Filho J G and Hackley P C 2012 Review and update of the applications of organic petrology: Part 1, geological applications; Int. J. Coal Geol. 99 54–112.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sykes R and Snowdon L R 2002 Guidelines for assessing petroleum potential of coaly source rocks using Rock-Eval pyrolysis; Org. Geochem. 33 1441–1455.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tavallali A and Marine I 2019 Estimation of uniaxial compressive strength by Brazilian Tensile Strength in Offshore Industry, https://doi.org/10.32075/17ECSMGE-2019-0462.

  • Teichmüller M and Durand B 1983 Fluorescence microscopical rank studies on liptinites and vitrinites in peat and coals, and comparison with results of the Rock-Eval pyrolysis; Int. J. Coal Geol. 2(3) 197–230.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tian H, Pan L, Xiao X, Wilkins R W, Meng Z and Huang B 2013 A preliminary study on the pore characterization of Lower Silurian black shales in the Chuandong Thrust Fold Belt, southwestern China using low pressure N2 adsorption and FE-SEM methods; Mar. Pet. Geol. 48 8–19.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tian S, Zhang P, Sheng M, Wang T, Tang J and Xiao L 2020 Modification of microscopic properties of shale by carbonic acid treatment: Implications for CO2-based fracturing in shale formations; Energ. Fuel. 34(3) 3458–3466.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tuncay E and Hasancebi N 2009 The effect of length to diameter ratio of test specimens on the uniaxial compressive strength of rock; Bull. Eng. Geol. Environ. 68(4) 491–497.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tyson R V 1995 Abundance of organic matter in sediments: TOC, hydrodynamic equivalence, dilution and flux effects; In: Sedimentary organic matter, pp. 81–118.

  • U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2021. https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/naturalgas/where-our-natural-gas-comes-from.php. Last accessed on 24 November, 2022.

  • Valentine B J and Hackley P C 2019 Applications of correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) to organic matter in the North American shale petroleum systems; In: Mudstone diagenesis: Research perspectives for shale hydrocarbon reservoirs, seals, and source rocks (eds) Camp W, Milliken K, Taylor K, Fishman N, Hackley P and Macquaker J, AAPG Memoir 121 1–17.

  • Varma A K, Hazra B and Srivastava A 2014 Estimation of total organic carbon in shales through color manifestations; J. Nat. Gas Sci. Eng. 18 53–57.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Varma A K, Hazra B, Mendhe V A, Chinara I and Dayal A M 2015 Assessment of organic richness and hydrocarbon generation potential of Raniganj Basin Shales, West Bengal, India; Mar. Pet. Geol. 59 480–490.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Veytskin Y B, Tammina V K, Bobko C P, Hartley P G, Clennell M B, Dewhurst D N and Dagastine R R 2017 Micromechanical characterization of shales through nanoindentation and energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry; Geomech. Energy Environ. 9 21–35.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vinci Technologies Rock-Eval 6 Operator Manual 2003 Vinci Technologies, France.

  • Vishal V, Chandra D, Bahadur J, Sen D, Hazra B, Mahanta B and Mani D 2019 Interpreting pore dimensions in gas shales using a combination of sem imaging, small-angle neutron scattering, and low-pressure gas adsorption; Energ. Fuel. 33(6) 4835–4848.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang F P, Reed R M, John A and Katherine G 2009 Pore networks and fluid flow in gas shales; In: SPE Annu. Tech. Conf., OnePetro.

  • Wang Y, Zhu Y, Liu S and Zhang R 2016 Pore characterization and its impact on methane adsorption capacity for organic-rich marine shales; Fuel 181 227–237.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wilson M J and Wilson L 2014 Clay mineralogy and shale instability: An alternative conceptual analysis; Clay Miner. 49(2) 127–145.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wood D A 2021 Brittleness index predictions from lower Barnett Shale well-log data applying an optimized data matching algorithm at various sampling densities; Geoscience Frontiers 12(6) 101087.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wood D A and Hazra B 2017 Characterization of organic-rich shales for petroleum exploration & exploitation: A review – Part 3: Applied geomechanics, petrophysics and reservoir modelling; J. Earth. Sci. 28(5) 779–803.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wood D A and Cai J 2022 Coal-bed methane reservoir characterization using well-log data; In: Sustainable geoscience for natural gas sub-surface systems, Gulf Professional Publishing, pp. 243–274.

  • Xian S H I, Jiang S, Shuangfang L U, Zhiliang H E, Dongjie L I, Zhixuan W A N G and Dianshi X I A O 2019 Investigation of mechanical properties of bedded shale by nanoindentation tests: A case study on Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation of Youyang area in southeast Chongqing, China; Pet. Explor. Dev. 46(1) 163–172.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xiang D, Chen Z, Yang Z, Wang S, Deng Y, Wang Q, Hou D and Zhang G 2017 Probing the mechanical properties of shales by nanoindentation; In: Geotechnical frontiers, pp. 497–507.

  • Xie Q 2016 Mechanical characterization of kerogen in black siliceous shale via nanoindentation; In: 2016 SEG International Exposition and Annual Meeting, OnePetro.

  • Yagiz S and Rostami J 2012 Indentation test for the measurement of rock brittleness; 46th US Rock Mech./Geomech. Symp., pp. 511–516.

  • Yang Z, Wang L, Chen Z, Xiang D, Hou D, Ho C and Zhang G 2018 Micromechanical characterization of fluid/shale interactions by means of nanoindentation; SPE Reserv. Evaluation Eng. 21(02) 405–417.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yoon H and Ringer J 2019 Multi-label classification of mineralogy distribution in shale images using machine learning methods; In: AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts, 2019, H41G-1754.

  • Zargari S, Wilkinson T M, Packard C E and Prasad M 2016 Effect of thermal maturity on elastic properties of kerogen; Geophysics 81(2) M1–M6.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang D, Ranjith P G and Perera M S A 2016 The brittleness indices used in rock mechanics and their application in shale hydraulic fracturing: A Review; J. Pet. Sci. Eng. 143 158–170.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang P P, Tian S C, Sheng M, Wang T Y, Khan W A, Xu Q and Xiao L Z 2019 Effect of dilute acid treatment on adhesion properties of Longmaxi Black Shale; Pet. Sci. 16(6) 1320–1331.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zheng H, Zhang J and Qi Y 2020 Geology and geomechanics of hydraulic fracturing in the Marcellus shale gas play and their potential applications to the Fuling shale gas development; Energy Geosci. 1(1–2) 36–46.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The Director CSIR-CIMFR is thankfully acknowledged for providing the necessary infrastructure to conduct the research, and for giving permission to publish this work.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. CSIR-Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research, Barwa Road Campus, Dhanbad, 826 015, Jharkhand, India

    Chinmay Sethi, Bodhisatwa Hazra & Ashok K Singh

  2. Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201 002, Uttar Pradesh, India

    Chinmay Sethi & Bodhisatwa Hazra

  3. DWA Energy Limited, Lincoln, LN5 9JP, Lincolnshire, UK

    David A Wood

Authors
  1. Chinmay Sethi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Bodhisatwa Hazra
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. David A Wood
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Ashok K Singh
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

Chinmay Sethi: Conceptualization of manuscript; execution of geomechanical experiments and microscopy; writing of the manuscript; preparation of figures; interpretation of results. Bodhisatwa Hazra: Conceptualization of manuscript; writing of the manuscript; execution of Rock-Eval experiments and microscopy; interpretation of results. David A Wood: Conceptualization of manuscript; writing of some parts of the manuscript. Ashok K Singh: Involved in the writing some parts and corrections of the manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Bodhisatwa Hazra.

Additional information

Communicated by Somnath Dasgupta

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Sethi, C., Hazra, B., Wood, D.A. et al. Experimental protocols to determine reliable organic geochemistry and geomechanical screening criteria for shales. J Earth Syst Sci 132, 45 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12040-023-02073-6

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12040-023-02073-6

Keywords

Search

Navigation