Projects per year
Abstract
The physical mechanisms that control the flow dynamics in organic-rich shale are not well understood. The challenges include nanometer-scale pores and multiscale heterogeneity in the spatial distribution of the constituents. Recently, digital rock physics (DRP), which uses high-resolution images of rock samples as input for flow simulations, has been used for shale. One important issue with images of shale rock is sub-resolution porosity (nanometer pores below the instrument resolution), which poses serious challenges for instruments and computational models. Here, we present a micro-continuum model based on the Darcy-Brinkman-Stokes framework. The method couples resolved pores and unresolved nano-porous regions using physics-based parameters that can be measured independently. The Stokes equation is used for resolved pores. The unresolved nano-porous regions are treated as a continuum, and a permeability model that accounts for slip-flow and Knudsen diffusion is employed. Adsorption/desorption and surface diffusion in organic matter are also accounted for. We apply our model to simulate gas flow in a high-resolution 3D segmented image of shale. The results indicate that the overall permeability of the sample (at fixed pressure) depends on the time scale. Early-time permeability is controlled by Stokes flow, while the late-time permeability is controlled by non-Darcy effects and surface-diffusion.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Advances in Water Resources |
Volume | 122 |
Early online date | 6 Oct 2018 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Dec 2018 |
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Structural geology and rock physics
Mecklenburgh, J. (PI), Covey-Crump, S. (PI), Rutter, E. (PI), Chandler, M. (PI), Ardo, B. (PGR student), Bashir, Y. (PGR student) & Tielke, J. (PI)
Project: Research
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Novel multi-scale 3D/4D characterization of pore network and gas transport in tight rocks
Ma, L. (PI)
1/01/18 → 30/06/21
Project: Research
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Shining light on shale:geomechanics and 4D fracture characterization.
Mecklenburgh, J. (PI), Lee, P. (CoI), Rutter, E. (CoI) & Taylor, K. (CoI)
30/11/14 → 2/03/18
Project: Research