Research paper2D and 3D nanopore characterization of gas shale in Longmaxi formation based on FIB-SEM

- Pores in shale from Longmaxi formation are nanometer-sized.
- Nanopores can be classified into three types: organic pores, inorganic pores and micro fractures.
- Organic pores are more developed than inorganic pores in Longmaxi shale.
- Nanometer-sized pores in organic matter take up the fundamental storage space for the Longmaxi shale.

Studying complex pore structures is the key to understanding the mechanism of shale gas accumulation. FIB-SEM (focused ion beam-scanning electron microscope) is the mainstream and effective instrument for imaging nanopores in gas shales. Based on this technology, 2D and 3D characteristics of shale samples from Lower Silurian Longmaxi formation in southern Sichuan Basin were investigated. 2D experimental results show that the pores in shale are nanometer-sized, and the structure of those nanopores can be classified into three types: organic pores, inorganic pores and micro fractures. Among the three types, organic pores are dominantly developed in the OM (organic matter) with three patterns such as continuous distributed OM, OM between clay minerals and OM between pyrite particles, and the size of organic pores range from 5 nm to 200 nm.Inveresly, inorganic pores and micro fractures are less developed in the Longmaxi shales. 3D digital rocks were reconstructed and segmented by 600 continuous images by FIB cutting and SEM imaging simultaneously. The pore size distribution and porosity can be calculated by this 3D digital core, showing that its average value is 32 nm and porosity is 3.62%.The 3D digital porosity is higher than its helium porosity, which can be regarded as one important parameter for evaluation of shale gas reserves. The 2D and 3D characterized results suggest that the nanometer-sized pores in organic matter take up the fundamental storage space for the Longmaxi shale. These characteristics have contributed to the preservation of shale gas in this complex tectonic area.

Figure name: 3D digital core of gas shale in Longmaxi formation. Red color represents the pores, blue color represents the organic matter and green color represents the inorganic minerals. 3D digital rocks were reconstructed and segmented by 600 continuous images by FIB cutting and SEM imaging simultaneously. The pore size distribution and porosity can be calculated by this 3D digital core.