Helium release during shale deformation: Experimental validation

Bauer, Stephen J.; Gardner, W. Payton; Heath, Jason E.

doi:10.1002/2016GC006352

Helium release during shale deformation: Experimental validation

Journal Article · Fri Jul 01 00:00:00 EDT 2016 · Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/2016GC006352· OSTI ID:1418467

Bauer, Stephen J. ^[1]; Gardner, W. Payton ^[2]; Heath, Jason E. ^[1]

Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
Univ. of Montana, Missoula, MT (United States)

This paper describes initial experimental results of helium tracer release monitoring during deformation of shale. Naturally occurring radiogenic ⁴He is present in high concentration in most shales. During rock deformation, accumulated helium could be released as fractures are created and new transport pathways are created. We present the results of an experimental study in which confined reservoir shale samples, cored parallel and perpendicular to bedding, which were initially saturated with helium to simulate reservoir conditions, are subjected to triaxial compressive deformation. During the deformation experiment, differential stress, axial, and radial strains are systematically tracked. Release of helium is dynamically measured using a helium mass spectrometer leak detector. Helium released during deformation is observable at the laboratory scale and the release is tightly coupled to the shale deformation. These first measurements of dynamic helium release from rocks undergoing deformation show that helium provides information on the evolution of microstructure as a function of changes in stress and strain.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: National Science Foundation; USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)

Grant/Contract Number:: AC04-94AL85000

OSTI ID:: 1418467

Journal Information:: Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems, Journal Name: Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems Journal Issue: 7 Vol. 17; ISSN 1525-2027

Publisher:: American Geophysical UnionCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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