Nano-porous gas diffusion kinetics in shale and coal
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Nottingham
Department Name: Faculty of Engineering
Abstract
The efficient recovery of methane from shale and coal requires rapid desorption and transport of the gas through the heterogeneous pore network at multiple length-scales (typically nano to micro). CO2 is commonly introduced to further stimulate methane production. Therefore, the pore network can often be subject to alteration, for example being partially blocked by mineral precipitates that are later dissolved by acidized fluids, or constriction caused by swelling of the material. These complex issues are of particular relevance for safe extraction of coal bed methane and shale gas, as well as for permanent sequestration of anthropogenic CO2.
This studentship will involve both experimental and theoretical study of gas diffusion and sorption kinetics at elevated temperatures and pressures representative of deep underground conditions. Samples will be evaluated before and after treatment by acidized fluids. Molecular dynamics simulations will be performed to determine the physical correlation between altered pore space and gas diffusion properties.
This studentship will involve both experimental and theoretical study of gas diffusion and sorption kinetics at elevated temperatures and pressures representative of deep underground conditions. Samples will be evaluated before and after treatment by acidized fluids. Molecular dynamics simulations will be performed to determine the physical correlation between altered pore space and gas diffusion properties.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Dimitrios Spanakos (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/N50970X/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2021 | |||
| 2032550 | Studentship | EP/N50970X/1 | 01/10/2017 | 31/03/2021 | Dimitrios Spanakos |
| Description | • The diffusivities and activation energies of CO2 at a monolayer coverage on shales have been estimated • Diffusion is of greater significance in CO2 flooding than CO2 huff and puff and obtaining its diffusion coefficient is crucial for reservoir evaluation as well as field production forecast. • Higher permeability, longer fracture half-length and higher heterogeneity are beneficial for the CO2 flooding process diffusion. • The increased connectivity due to the surface roughness leads to a greater surface diffusion and hence a bigger recovery factor. |
| Exploitation Route | A greater mobility of CO2 within the shale would improve the displacement efficiency of the originally present CH4, as well as, increasing the CO2 penetration of the shale formation.The investigations performed in this study present better understanding of CO2 injection techniques to EGR considering the impact of surface diffusivities of CO2 molecules and surface roughness. Their importance for optimizing the designs of CO2 injection in field applications is crucial and should not be neglected. Moreover, the theory created enables oil companies to optimize the designs of CO2 injection in field applications since surface diffusion is of major importance in the apparent permeability model and thus in the gas flow mechanisms. |
| Sectors | Chemicals,Energy,Environment |