Solvent-Pore Interactions in the Easgle Ford Shale Formation

Published

February 15, 2019

Author(s)

Victoria H. DiStefano, Joanna McFarlane, Andrew G. Stack, Edmund Perfect, David F. Mildner, Markus Bleuel, Steve J. Chipera, Kenneth C. Littrell, Michael C. Cheshire, Katherine E. Manz, Lawrence M Anovitz

Abstract

The effect of solvent extraction on pore space was examined on a suite of samples from the Eagle Ford Shale Formation with varying lithologies and maturities. Several solvents were contacted with shales, extracting the compatible organic matter. The porosity in these extracted shales was compared to unmodified samples. The amount and type of organic matter extracted were determined using Gas Chromatography ─ Mass Spectrometry, and the porosity was determined by (Ultra) Small Angle Neutron Scattering. Mostly alkanes and aromatics were detected in the extracts, but other portions of bitumen may also have been present. Higher molecular weight alkanes were extracted with hydrochloric acid, suggesting that the dissolution of carbonates may have liberated heavier organic matter trapped in them. Additionally, a decrease in porosity with extraction was observed and attributed to a dominant mechanism of kerogen swelling due to kerogen-solvent interaction.

Citation

Fuel

Volume

238

Pub Type

Journals

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Keywords

Eagle Ford shale formation, solvent extraction, pore spaces, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, small-angle neutron scattering, multiscale pore systems, hydraulic fracturing fluids

Citation

DiStefano, V. , McFarlane, J. , Stack, A. , Perfect, E. , Mildner, D. , Bleuel, M. , Chipera, S. , Littrell, K. , Cheshire, M. , Manz, K. and Anovitz, L. (2019), Solvent-Pore Interactions in the Easgle Ford Shale Formation, Fuel, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=926473 (Accessed October 1, 2025)