Textural characteristics of shale deformations, and associated distribution models: Implications for shale reservoir fluid flow

Jim Buckman, Gary Couples*, Helen Lewis

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

We describe a new (or under-reported) type of deformation feature that has some of the textural characteristics of both a fracture and a shear band. The examples described occur in experimentally-deformed source-rock materials, and in tight limestones, both of which are constituents of many shale reservoirs. The deformation features, which emerge at very low magnitudes of bulk strain, create new dilative zones within the rock, and thus enhance the flow characteristics. Direct observation of fluid flow, involving neutron-tomography experiments of these experimental samples, reveals flow behaviours that lead to the inference that the features have an unusual set of properties: both high capillary pressure and high permeability. Detailed textural observations generate insights that lead to hypothesized physical explanations for the surprising flow characteristics. Our present understanding is that these features can form in the low-strain (and low energy-cost) conditions that can be achieved in hydraulic stimulation operations. If such deformations do occur in the suitable rock types within shale sequences, their role in fluid flow may be significant but heretofore unrecognized.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 7th Unconventional Resources Technology Conference 2019
PublisherURTEC
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 23 Jul 2019
EventSPE/AAPG/SEG Unconventional Resources Technology Conference 2019 - Denver, United States
Duration: 22 Jul 201924 Jul 2019

Conference

ConferenceSPE/AAPG/SEG Unconventional Resources Technology Conference 2019
Abbreviated titleURTC 2019
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityDenver
Period22/07/1924/07/19

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

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