Dynamic imaging of oil shale pyrolysis using synchrotron X-ray microtomography
File(s)
Published version
OA Location
Author(s)
Saif, T
Lin, Q
Singh, K
Bijeljic, B
Blunt, MJ
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
The structure and connectivity of the pore space during the pyrolysis of oil shales determines hydrocarbon flow behavior and ultimate recovery. We image the time evolution of the pore and microfracture networks during oil shale pyrolysis using synchrotron X-ray microtomography. Immature Green River (Mahogany Zone) shale samples were thermally matured under vacuum conditions at temperatures up to 500°C while being periodically imaged with a 2μmvoxel size. The structural transformation of both organic-rich and organic-lean layers within the shale was quantified. The images reveal a dramatic change in porosity accompanying pyrolysis between 390 and 400°C with the formation of micron-scale heterogeneous pores. With a further increase in temperature, the pores steadily expand resulting in connected microfracture networks that predominantly develop along the kerogen-rich laminations.
Date Issued
2016-07-02
Date Acceptance
2016-06-01
Citation
Geophysical Research Letter, 2016, 43 (13), pp.6799-6807
ISSN
0094-8276
Publisher
Wiley
Start Page
6799
End Page
6807
Journal / Book Title
Geophysical Research Letter
Volume
43
Issue
13
Copyright Statement
© 2016 The Authors. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivs License, which permits use and distribution in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited, the use is non-commercial and no modifications or adaptations are made.
Subjects
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Multidisciplinary
Publication Status
Published