Development of a New Analytical Technology in Support of Oil and Natural Gas Extraction

Over the past decade, advances in shale characterization and stimulation technology have opened Hydrocarbon bearing shale to exploitation. The success of all of these plays can depend on the proper characterization of the shale reservoir. To determine if favorable composition and structure are present, it is currently necessary to conduct a number of different analyses that are time consuming and expensive. With the decline in fossil fuel prices, it has become increasingly important to develop cost effective analytical toolsets that provide an efficient integrated characterization of shale to assist oil and gas exploration. Statement of How this Problem or Situation is Being Addressed In this program we propose to develop a powerful suite of new analytical techniques derived from ion beam capabilities for direct measurement of C, H, and O content. Elastic recoil detection analysis (ERDA) will be used for direct measurement of H present, and nuclear reaction analysis (NRA) to determine the amount of C and O. Determining mineral composition using particle induced Xray emission (PIXE), and ion beam induced luminescence (IL) will provide a direct and efficient process for mineral mapping. In addition a unique approach will be added through the utilization of the nuclear microprobe and Heion microscopy (HIM) for imaging organic matter and rock fabric, analyzing the spatial distribution of hydrocarbons and assessing the abundance and types of micro porosity to provide an estimate of organic carbon transformation, thermal maturity, and the expected hydrocarbon type (dry gas, liquid rich gas, or oil). Under the project, Amethyst Research Inc. is developing an ionbeam analysis technology as a one stop solution to advanced characterization of shale, and providing low risk productivity assessment for shale reservoirs. What was Done in Phase I: In Phase I the feasibility of direct measurement of H, C, bulk mineralogy and elemental contents by ion beam analysis has been demonstrated as a single chamber one stop analytical solution. The analytical techniques have been found unique in providing quantitative elemental distribution with spatial variation. What is Planned for Phase II: In Phase II, ion beam analysis will be compared with traditional techniques and the analysis will be standardized using reference samples. Based on the direct and nondestructive elemental ion beam analysis, a model will be developed that uses accurate C, H and O values to predict the fraction of hydrocarbons, inorganic carbonate and water (free and bound) in shale. Commercial Application and Other Benefits This program has the opportunity to develop techniques to streamline elemental and carbon analyses and establish a model to qualify the shale’s productivity based on relative oxy hydrocarbon abundance. This analysis would provide data that would allow more environmentally friendly and economical decisions to be made regarding extracting oil and natural gas from shale plays. Key Words: Ion Beam Analysis, Shale, HIM, IL, PIXE, NRA, ERDA