Study on Apparent Permeability Model for Gas Transport in Shale Inorganic Nanopores

Shuda Zhao, Hongji Liu, Enyuan Jiang, Nan Zhao, Chaohua Guo and Baojun Bai ()
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Shuda Zhao: GGPE, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO 65401, USA
Hongji Liu: Key Laboratory of Theory and Technology of Petroleum Exploration and Development, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
Enyuan Jiang: China National Oil and Gas Exploration and Development Co. Ltd., (CNOOC), Beijing 100034, China
Nan Zhao: SINOPEC Henan Oilfield Company, Nanyang 473132, China
Chaohua Guo: Key Laboratory of Theory and Technology of Petroleum Exploration and Development, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
Baojun Bai: GGPE, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO 65401, USA

Energies, 2022, vol. 15, issue 17, 1-14

Abstract: Inorganic nanopores occurring in the shale matrix have strong hydrophilicity and irreducible water (IW) film can be formed on the inner surface of the pores making gas flow mechanisms in the pores more complex. In this paper, the existence of irreducible water (IW) in inorganic pores is considered, and, based on the Knudsen number ( K n ) correction in shale pores, a shale gas apparent permeability model of inorganic nano-pores is established. The effect of the K n correction on the apparent permeability, the ratio of flow with pore radius and the effect of IW on the apparent permeability are assessed. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) at low pressure (less than 10 MPa) and for medium pore size (pore radius range of 10 nm–60 nm), the effect of the K n correction should be considered; (2) considering the effect of the K n correction, bulk phase transport replaces surface diffusion more slowly; considering the existence of IW, bulk phase transport replaces surface diffusion more slowly; (3) with increase in pressure, the IW effect on gas apparent permeability decreases. Under low pressure, the IW, where pore size is small, promotes fluid flow, while the IW in the large pores hinders fluid flow. In conditions of ultra-high pressure, the IW promotes gas flow.

Keywords: shale gas; inorganic nanopore; apparent permeability; irreducible water; percolation mechanism; Knudsen number correction (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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