Characterization and analysis of Devonian shales as related to release of gaseous hydrocarbons

Technical Report · Sat Mar 10 04:00:00 EST 1979

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6309543· OSTI ID:6309543

Kalyoncu, R. S.; Boyer, J. P.; Snyder, M. J.

Total characterization data on gas contents, release kinetics, physical and chemical properties, mineralogy and lithology obtained on the C-1 well are reported. Total hydrocarbon gas contents accumulating in the free space surrounding the shale sample in the sealed canisters range from less than 10 to 90%. A positive correlation is observed between the gas contents and sample depth. Total carbon values vary between 0.4 and 7.2% with an average value of approximately 2.0% hydrogen values ranging between 0.4 and 1.0%. Carbon contents show an increase with increasing sample depth, also indicating a positive correlation between carbon and hydrocarbon gas contents. The relationship is not as pronounced between the hydrogen and gas contents. Among the physical characterization data reported are densities (true and bulk), porosities, surface area, and permeabilities. Shales exhibit relatively high bulk densities, an observation that is supported by low porosity and permeability values. A wide range of surface area values is observed. These values range between less than 1 and over 4 m/sup 2//g. Surface area values are dominated by the clay mineral contents of the shale. Qualitatively x-ray diffraction data indicate illite to be the dominant clay mineral with occasional presence of kaolin minerals noted. Carbonate contents in these shales are very low. Among the more frequent carbonate minerals observed are nahcolite and shortite. Quartz is the most abundant single mineral. Considerable amounts of pyrite also seem to be present in a majority of the shale samples. SEM/EDAX data are in complete agreement with the XRD observations.

• Research Organization: Battelle Columbus Labs., OH (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6309543
• Report Number(s): ORO-5205-T2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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