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Nanoscale visualization of shale kerogenic material
Characterization of shale (or mudstone) pore topology and composition supports efforts to produce methane effectively. It also enables assessment of the feasibility of enhanced recovery of gas and hydrocarbons from organic-rich shale reservoirs using gas-injection processes. Full-field Transmission X-Ray Microscopy (TXM) imaging was used to interpret gas shale structure and heterogeneity within a Haynesville gas shale sample. This study progressed our understanding of organic and inorganic conglomerates that together are believed to make up the fundamental configuration of shale. The images show the presence of differentiated areas from which presumed kerogenic structures were identified and segmented based on the correlation of the represented X-ray absorption coefficient and density. Using an innovative imaging technique at the nanoscale, high-Z gas was applied to the sample and the images obtained show visual enhancement of specific rock features, such as available porous space, particularly within kerogenic structures.Author(s):
Bolivia Vega
Stanford University
United States
Jeff Gelb
Zeiss
United States
Anthony Kovscek
Stanford University
United States