Nano-level evaluation of kerogen-rich reservoir rock
US9869649B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 29, 2016 |
| Grant date | Jan 16, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 29, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2223/616
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Examples of nano-level evaluation of kerogen-rich reservoir rock are described. A micro-scale beam is formed from kerogen-rich reservoir rock. The beam has reservoir rock and kerogen, which has polymeric properties. A maximum dimension of the micro-scale beam is at most 1000 micrometers. A mechanical experiment that includes a tension test or a compression test is performed on the micro-scale beam. The mechanical experiment is imaged using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). A material parameter of the kerogen in the micro-scale beam is determined based on results of the mechanical experiment and images obtained responsive to the imaging. The material parameter includes a behavior of the kerogen in response to the mechanical experiment. The behavior of the kerogen can be used to determine, among other things, the energy required to break kerogen in a kerogen-rich shale to improve hydraulic fracturing efficiency.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.