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Methane Diffusion in a Flexible Kerogen Matrix.

Amaël Obliger1,2, Pierre-Louis Valdenaire1, Franz-Josef Ulm1,3

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This study reveals that methane diffusion in shale kerogen is significantly influenced by swelling and internal matrix motions, contrary to previous assumptions. Accounting for these factors enhances hydrocarbon recovery predictions in unconventional reservoirs.

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Area of Science:

  • Geochemistry
  • Materials Science
  • Petroleum Engineering

Background:

  • Microporosity in shale organic matter (kerogen) critically impacts hydrocarbon recovery from unconventional reservoirs.
  • Previous numerical studies often simplified kerogen as a rigid matrix, neglecting poromechanics and adsorption-induced deformations.
  • Understanding fluid transport within kerogen is vital for optimizing oil and gas extraction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate methane diffusion within an immature kerogen matrix using molecular dynamics simulations.
  • To explicitly incorporate adsorption-induced swelling and internal matrix motions (phonons, nonperiodic deformations).
  • To analyze the impact of these factors on hydrocarbon transport and recovery.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to model methane diffusion.
  • Explicitly included kerogen matrix swelling due to methane adsorption.
  • Incorporated internal matrix dynamics, including phonons and nonperiodic deformations.
  • Applied Fujita-Kishimoto free volume theory for rationalization.

Main Results:

  • Adsorption-induced swelling increases free volume, leading to higher methane diffusivity, contrasting with the frozen matrix approximation.
  • Internal matrix motions (phonons and nonperiodic deformations) enhance diffusivity by approximately an order of magnitude.
  • Fluctuations in pore connectivity due to matrix dynamics play a key role in diffusivity enhancement.

Conclusions:

  • Kerogen's deformability and internal dynamics are crucial for accurate modeling of hydrocarbon transport.
  • The findings challenge the 'frozen matrix' assumption and offer insights into shale reservoir behavior.
  • This research provides a basis for explaining productivity slowdown in immature shale reservoirs and improving recovery strategies.