Characterization of microscopic pore structures in shale reservoirs

doi:10.7623/syxb201302012

Editorial office of ACTA PETROLEI SINICA ›› 2013, Vol. 34 ›› Issue (2): 301-311.DOI: 10.7623/syxb201302012

• Petroleum Exploration • Previous Articles Next Articles

Characterization of microscopic pore structures in shale reservoirs

YANG Feng 　NING Zhengfu 　HU Changpeng　 WANG Bo　 PENG Kai 　LIU Huiqing

Received:2012-09-03 Revised:2013-12-13 Online:2013-03-25 Published:2013-01-31

页岩储层微观孔隙结构特征

杨　峰　宁正福　胡昌蓬　王　波　彭　凯　刘慧卿

中国石油大学石油工程教育部重点实验室北京 102249

通讯作者: 宁正福，男，1965年10月生，2002年获石油大学（北京）博士学位，现为中国石油大学（北京）教授、博士生导师，主要从事油气藏工程和非常规油气开发方面研究。
作者简介:杨峰，男，1987年7月生，2009年毕业于西南石油大学，现为中国石油大学（北京）博士研究生，主要从事非常规油气开发方面研究。Email：yangfeng227@163.com
基金资助:
国家自然科学基金项目(No.51274214)、教育部科学技术研究重大项目(No.311008)和油气资源与探测国家重点实验室自主研究课题(PRP/indep-3-1108)资助。

Abstract

Abstract:

Nanostructure morphology of shale reservoirs was investigated using a field-emission environmental scanning electron microscope and adsorption-desorption isotherms were measured with low-temperature nitrogen adsorption experiments. Combined with high-pressure mercury injection, further investigation into characterization of pore structures in shale reservoirs was gained. Results show that pores in shale reservoirs are generally in a nanometer grade, it can be classified into five types: organic nanopores, interparticle pores between clay minerals, mineral pores in rock skeletons, apertures in palaeontologic fossils and microfractures, of which the most common ones are organic nanopores and interparticle pores between clay minerals. The pore-size distribution of shales are complex, which includes not only predominant mesopores (2～50nm), but also a certain amount of micropores (<2nm) and macropores (>50nm). Micropores and mesopores with a diameter less than 50nm amount to most of specific surface area and pore volume of shale pores, and mainly are places for gas adsorption and storage. Shale is characterized by high threshold pressure, good-sorting pore throats, poor connectivity and low efficiency of mercury withdrawal. In addition, mesopores in shale apparently contribute a lot to gas percolation, while micropores in shale are mainly for gas storage.

Key words: shale, nanopore, SEM, nitrogen adsorption, high-pressure mercury injection

摘要：

为了研究页岩储层的微观孔隙结构特征，应用场发射环境扫描电子显微镜观察了页岩表面纳米级孔隙微观形态，并通过低温氮吸附法测定了页岩的氮气吸附等温线，同时结合高压压汞实验对页岩储层孔隙结构进行了深入研究。研究结果表明：页岩储层孔隙处于纳米量级，孔隙类型可分为有机质纳米孔、黏土矿物粒间孔、岩石骨架矿物孔、古生物化石孔和微裂缝5种类型，其中有机质纳米孔和黏土矿物粒间孔发育最为广泛;页岩孔径分布复杂，既含有大量的中孔（2～50nm），又含有一定量的微孔（<2nm）和大孔（>50nm）;孔径小于50nm的微孔和中孔提供了大部分比表面积和孔体积，是气体吸附和存储的主要场所;页岩阈压非常高，孔喉分选性好，连通性差，退汞效率低，中孔对气体渗流起明显贡献作用，微孔则主要起储集作用。

关键词: 页岩, 纳米级孔隙, 扫描电镜, 氮气吸附, 高压压汞

YANG Feng NING Zhengfu HU Changpeng WANG Bo PENG Kai LIU Huiqing. Characterization of microscopic pore structures in shale reservoirs[J]. Editorial office of ACTA PETROLEI SINICA, 2013, 34(2): 301-311.

杨　峰宁正福胡昌蓬王　波彭　凯刘慧卿. 页岩储层微观孔隙结构特征[J]. 石油学报, 2013, 34(2): 301-311.

References

[1] 邹才能，朱如凯，吴松涛，等. 常规与非常规油气聚集类型、特征、机理及展望--以中国致密油和致密气为例[J].石油学报，2012，33(2):173-187.

Zou Caineng,Zhu Rukai,Wu Songtao,et al.Types,characteristics,genesis and prospects of conventional and unconventional hydrocarbon accumulations:taking tight oil and tight gas in China as an instance[J].Acta Petrolei Sinica,2012,33(2):173-187.

[2] 聂海宽，张金川，李玉喜.四川盆地及其周缘下寒武统页岩气聚集条件[J].石油学报，2011，32(6):959-967.

Nie Haikuan,Zhang Jinchuan,Li Yuxi.Accumulation conditions of the Lower Cambrian shale gas in the Sichuan Basin and its periphery[J].Acta Petrolei Sinica,2011,32(6):959-967.

[3] 陈尚斌，朱炎铭，王红岩，等.四川盆地南缘下志留统龙马溪组页岩气储层矿物成分特征及意义[J].石油学报，2011，32(5):775-782.

Chen Shangbin,Zhu Yanming,Wang Hongyan,et al.Characteristics and significance of mineral compositions of Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation shale gas reservoir in the southern margin of Sichuan Basin[J].Acta Petrolei Sinica,2011,32(5):775-782.

[4] Elgmati M.Shale gas rock characterization and 3D submicron pore network reconstruction[D].Rolla:Missouri University of Science and Technology,2011.

[5] Connell-Madore S,Katsube T J.Pore-size-distribution characteristics of Beaufort-Mackenzie Basin shale samples,Northwest Territories[R/OL].(2006-07-01)[2012-06-01].ftp://ftp2.cits.rncan.gc.ca/pub/geott/ess_pubs/222/222398/cr_2006_b01.pdf.

[6] Loucks R G,Reed R M,Ruppel S C,et al.Morphology,genesis,and distribution of nanometer-scale pores in siliceous mudstones of the Mississippian Barnett Shale[J].Journal of Sedimentary Research,2009,79(12):848-861.

[7] 邹才能，李建忠，董大忠，等.中国首次在页岩气储集层中发现丰富的纳米级孔隙[J].石油勘探与开发，2010，37(5):508-509.

Zou Caineng,Li Jianzhong,Dong Dazhong,et al.Rich nanometer pore in shale gas reservoir is discovered in China for the first time[J].Petroleum Exploration and Development,2010,37(5):508-509.

[8] 邹才能，朱如凯，白斌，等.中国油气储层中纳米孔首次发现及其科学价值[J].岩石学报，2011，27(6):1857-1864.

Zou Caineng,Zhu Rukai,Bai Bin,et al.First discovery of nano-pore throat in oil and gas reservoir in China and its scientific value[J].Acta Petrologica Sinica,2011,27(6):1857-1864.

[9] Javadpour F,Fisher D,Unsworth M.Nanoscale gas flow in shale gas sediments[J].Journal of Canadian Petroleum Technology,2007,46(10):55-61.

[10] Leahy-Dios A,Das M,Agarwal A,et al.Modeling of transport phenomena and multicomponent sorption for shale gas and coalbed methane in an unstructured grid simulator[R].SPE 147352,2011.

[11] Reed R M,John A,Katherine G,et al.Nanopores in the Mississippian Barnett Shale:distribution,morphology,and possible genesis:GSA Annual Meeting & Exposition,Denver,Colorado,USA,October 28-31,2007[C].Denver:The Geological Society of America,2007.

[12] Wang F P,Reed R M,John A,et al.Pore networks and fluid flow in gas shales[R].SPE 124253,2009.

[13] Sondergeld C H,Ambrose R J,Rai C S,et al.Micro-structural studies of gas shales[R].SPE 131771,2010.

[14] Curtis M E,Ambrose R J,Sondergeld C H,et al.Structural characterization of gas shales on the micro- and nano-scales[R].SPE 137693,2010.

[15] Curtis M E,Ambrose R J,Sondergeld C H,et al.Transmission and scanning electron microscopy investigation of pore connectivity of gas shales on the nanoscale[R].SPE 144391,2011.

[16] 聂海宽，张金川.页岩气储层类型和特征研究--以四川盆地及其周缘下古生界为例[J].石油实验地质，2011，33(3):219-225.

Nie Haikuan,Zhang Jinchuan.Types and characteristics of shale gas reservoir:a case study of Lower Paleozoic in and around Sichuan Basin[J].Petroleum Geology & Experiment,2011,33(3):219-232.

[17] 吉利明，邱军利，夏燕青，等.常见黏土矿物电镜扫描微孔隙特征与甲烷吸附性[J].石油学报，2012，33(2):249-256.

Ji Liming,Qiu Junli,Xia Yanqing,et al.Micro-pore characteristics and methane adsorption properties of common clay minerals by electron microscope scanning[J].Acta Petrolei Sinica,2012,33(2):249-256.

[18] Brunauer S,Deming L S,Deming W E,et al.On a theory of the van der Waals adsorption of gases[J].Journal of the American Chemical Society,1940,62(7):1723-1732.

[19] Gregg S J,Sing K S W.Adsorption,surface area and porosity[M].2nd ed.London:Academic Press,1982.

[20] 严继民,张启元.吸附与凝聚:固体的表面与孔[M].北京:科学出版社,1979.

Yan Jiming,Zhang Qiyuan.Adsorption and condensation:the surface and pore of solid[M].Beijing:Science Press,1979.

[21] Sing K S W,Everett D H,Haul R A W,et al.Reporting physisorption data for gas/solid systems with special reference to the determination of surface area and porosity[J].Pure and Applied Chemistry,1985,57(4):603-619.

[22] Brunauer S,Emmett P H,Teller E.Adsorption of gases in multimolecular layers[J].Journal of the American Chemical Society,1938,60(2):309-319.

[23] Barrett E P,Joyner L G,Halenda P H,The determination of pore volume and area distributions in porous substances.I.computations from nitrogen isotherms[J].Journal of the American Chemical Society,1951,73(1):373-380.

[24] Donaldson E C,Kendall R F,Baker B A,et al.Surface-area measurement of geologic materials[J].SPE Journal,1975,15(2):111-116.

[25] 沈平平.油水在多孔介质中的运动理论和实践[M].北京:石油工业出版社,2000.

Shen Pingping.Flow and transport of oil and water in porous media:the theory and practice[M].Beijing:Petroleum Industry Press,2000.

[26] 庞彦明，章凤奇，邱红枫，等.酸性火山岩储层微观孔隙结构及物性参数特征[J].石油学报，2007，28(6):72-77.

Pang Yanming,Zhang Fengqi,Qiu Hongfeng,et al.Characteristics of microscopic pore structure and physical property parameter in acidic volcanic reservoir[J].Acta Petrolei Sinica,2007,28(6):72-77.

[27] 王瑞飞，沈平平，宋子齐，等.特低渗透砂岩油藏储层微观孔喉特征[J].石油学报，2009，30(4):560-563.

Wang Ruifei,Shen Pingping,Song Ziqi,et al.Characteristics of micro-pore throat in ultra-low permeability sandstone reservoir[J].Acta Petrolei Sinica,2009,30(4).560-563.

[28] 涂富华，唐仁琪，韩锦文，等.砂岩孔隙结构对水驱油效率影响的研究[J].石油学报，1983，4(2):49-62.

Tu Fuhua,Tang Renqi,Han Jinwen,et al.Effect of sandstone pore structure on the efficiency of water drive[J].Acta Petrolei Sinica,1983,4(2):49-62.

[29] 唐仁骐，曾玉华.岩石退汞效率几个影响因素的研究[J].石油实验地质，1994，16(1):84-93.

Tang Renqi,Zeng Yuhua.The study on the retro-mercurometric efficiency of rocks[J].Experimental Petroleum Geology,1994,16(1):84-93.

[30] 陈悦，李东旭.压汞法测定材料孔结构的误差分析[J].硅酸盐通报，2006，25(4):198-201.

Chen Yue,Li Dongxu.Analysis of error for pore structure of porous materials measured by MIP[J].Bulletin of the Chinese Ceramic Society,2006,25(4):198-201.

[31] 谢晓永，唐洪明，王春华，等.氮气吸附法和压汞法在测试泥页岩孔径分布中的对比[J].天然气工业，2006，26(12):100-102.

Xie Xiaoyong,Tang Hongming,Wang Chunhua,et al.Contrast of nitrogen adsorption method and mercury porosimetry method in analysis of shale’s pore size distribution[J].Natural Gas Industry,2006,26(12):100-102.

[32] Kuila U,Prasad M.Surface area and pore-size distribution in clays and shales[R].SPE 146869,2011.

Characterization of microscopic pore structures in shale reservoirs

页岩储层微观孔隙结构特征

PDF

Knowledge

Abstract

Cite this article

share this article

References

Related Articles 15

Recommended Articles

Metrics

Comments

[1]	Zou Caineng, Yu Rongze, Zhao Qun, Zhang Xiaowei, Chen Yanpeng, Dong Dazhong, Zhao Suping, Sun Qinping. North American shale revolution and its implications: a full-chain data-driven analysis of 100 000 wells in the Permian super unconventional hydrocarbon basin [J]. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 2026, 47(5): 947-960.
[2]	Liu Huimin, Zhang Kuihua, Li Junliang, Liu Peng, Wang Yong, Zhou Guangqing, Teng Jianbin, Zhang Shun, Zhu Rifang, Miao Zhuowei. Geological characteristics of clay-rich hybrid shale and exploration breakthroughs of shale oil in Jiyang depression,Bohai Bay Basin [J]. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 2026, 47(5): 961-973.
[3]	Tian Hua, Zhao Xiaolin, Guo Xiaowen, Yuan Shengqiang, Li Zhiyun. Quantitative evaluation of shale oil in different occurrence states based on light hydrocarbon recovery: a case study of the Fengcheng Formation shale in Mahu sag,Junggar Basin [J]. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 2026, 47(5): 1014-1023.
[4]	Zeng Fanhui, Jiang Jing, Guo Jianchun, Zhang Yu, Liu Xiaohua. Gas mass transfer model accounting for shale anisotropic characteristics [J]. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 2026, 47(5): 1064-1079.
[5]	Jiang Han, Xian Chenggang, Hong Haitao, Zhang Benjian, Zhao Rongrong, Huang Zisang, Qiu Yuchao, Zhou Hongfei, Han Luyuan. Breakthrough and implications of shale oil exploration in the Jurassic Lianggaoshan Formation at Well Lutan1 in Bashansi syncline of eastern Sichuan Basin [J]. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 2026, 47(4): 721-738.
[6]	Wang Wendong, Deng Yuxuan, Yuan Bin, Lei Zhengdong, Ke Can, Jia Feng, Su Yuliang. Energy management optimization for shale oil development driven by the integrated wind-photovoltaic-geothermal-grid energy system [J]. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 2026, 47(4): 934-946.
[7]	Bai Xuefeng, Lu Jiamin, Zhang Jinyou, Kang Dejiang, Wang Jinwei, Yu Dan, Liu Lijuan. Exploration breakthrough of interbedded shale oil in the Cretaceous Qingshankou Formation in northern Songliao Basin and its major significance [J]. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 2026, 47(3): 511-521.
[8]	Xiong Liang, Wei Limin, Feng Shaoke, Xiong Zhangkai, Li Nanying. Accumulation conditions as well as key exploration and development technologies of Yongchuan shale gas field in Sichuan Basin [J]. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 2026, 47(3): 692-705.
[9]	Wei Zhihong, Wei Xiangfeng, Shi Wenbin, Chen Chao, Liu Xiaojing, Wang Daojun, Wang Dongsheng, Shi Meijing. Geological characteristics and key exploration technologies of Fuxing oilfield in Sichuan Basin [J]. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 2026, 47(3): 706-720.
[10]	Shan Chang'an, Fei Yue, Liang Xing, Zou Chen, Shu Honglin, Wang Gaocheng, Zhang Zhao, Jiang Liwei, Rui Yun, Zhang Hanbing, Mei Jue, Zhang Chao, Gu Xiaomin, Shi Shiling. Comprehensive analysis of low-resistivity marine shale of Longmaxi Formation in Da’an area,western Chongqing: dominant role of water as well as other secondary factors [J]. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 2026, 47(2): 394-407.
[11]	Li Yong, Huang Meng, Lei Zhengdong, Yang Yang, Hou Lianhua, Hou Xiulin, Li Shuai, Hu Shuiqing, Wang Libin, Yang Lifeng, Dong Ruojing. Differentiated geoscience-engineering integrated development strategies for continental shale oil in China [J]. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 2026, 47(2): 437-454.
[12]	Zhao Jinzhou, Yang Junsong, Wei Bing, Wang Xiangzeng, Zhou Bo, Wang Lele, Zhang Xiang, Kadet Valeriy. Research progress and field practice of CO₂ utilization and storage in tight/shale oil and gas reservoirs [J]. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 2026, 47(1): 134-154.
[13]	Jiang Fujie, Zhang Chenxi, Chen Di, Zheng Xiaowei, Zhang Yuqi, Li Jijun, Fan Xiaoqi, Guo Tingwei, Wang Xiaohao, Hu Tao. Research status on oil content of continental shale and a new grading assessment method of resource potential [J]. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 2025, 46(9): 1661-1676.
[14]	Song Yan, Wan Chengxiang. Mechanisms and differences of self-sealing in shale gas reservoirs of Longmaxi Formation in Sichuan Basin [J]. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 2025, 46(9): 1677-1687.
[15]	Zhang Qin, Liu Yu, Qiu Zhen, Liu Wen, Kong Weiliang, Pang Zhenglian, Gao Wanli, Cai Guangyin, Li Xingtao, Lin Wenji. Phase analysis of shale gas occurrence based on carbon isotope fractionation and reservoir properties:a case study of the marine-terrestrial transitional shale in Member 2 of Shanxi Formation, Ordos Basin [J]. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 2025, 46(9): 1707-1719.