Unconventional reservoir characterization using real samples based on differential thermal analysis, evaluation of rock parameters, and HC extraction using HP-CO2 aiming reservoir recovery recommendations

To meet the global hydrocarbon energy demand, it is imperative either to enhance the production from existing fields by applying innovative engineering solutions or discovering new field /resource areas. Both of these options are investigated by petroleum engineers intensively to tackle the challenges of meeting the ever-increasing demand. Meeting the energy demand as, like any other developing country, Jordan is facing a formidable challenge and requires exploration for conventional and unconventional hydrocarbon resources. As Jordan has a long exploration history for conventional reservoirs, Unconventional resource exploration and production seems to be the way to find new energy sources. Different exploration wells were drilled to evaluate the hydrocarbon potential. This research work is focusing on an experimental investigation to evaluate Jordanian hydrocarbon potential as well as to provide recommendations for future exploration activities in shale resources. The Evaluations were performed through comprehensive laboratory experiments that include measurements of Total Organic Content, Grain density, Pore Size Distribution, Specific Surface Area (BET), Mineralogy, Thermogravimetry Analysis, and Rock-Eval pyrolysis. The petrophysical properties (TOC, grain density, pore size distribution) of Jordanian shale (nine different wells) are investigated. The TOC and grain density are in an inversely proportional relationship. The TOC results show a gradual increment with the depth. All the samples have higher porosity dominated by macro pores. Fourteen (14) samples were selected primarily based on TOC (above 1.5%) for further analysis. The specific surface area results show a proportional relationship with the TOC content. Considering the petrophysical properties and mineralogy, these Jordanian shales broadly can be considered as high porosity clay and mudstone type of shale. Thermogravimetry analysis (TG/DTG) results indicate quantitative information related to organic and inorganic matter. Detection of thermos-reactive minerals, especially clay, carbonate, muscovite, pyrite is possible due to the combination of TG/DTG/DSC. The samples are examined under three different procedures which includes different heating programs. The oxidizing and inert atmospheric conditions (procedure i & ii) have the same heating program whereas procedure iii (inert atmospheric condition) has a heating program similar to the Rock-Eval pyrolysis program. The results of these samples show the complex nature of shale as well as organic matter by reacting in different stages (two or, three stages). Depending of the maturity of organic matter, the reaction occurring temperature range varies. Maximum oxidization reaction peaks happen between 479°C to 502°C. The maximum pyrolysis reaction peaks between 498°C to 521°C. Compared with complex heating (procedure iii) and rock Eval pyrolysis, S2 results indicate a high amount of inorganic compounds. Considering TGA reaction peaks and rock Eval pyrolysis results, these Jordanian shales indicate immature with low hydrocarbon generation potential. The Jordanian shale samples are analyzed by using Rock-Eval pyrolysis. Analysis results are used to interpret petroleum potential in rocks. The most important information includes organic matter types (also connected with the depositional settings), organic matter thermal maturity, and the remaining hydrocarbon generation potential in the current form. The organic geochemical analysis results indicate mostly poor to no source rock potential except JF2-760 samples. The hydrogen index (HI) and oxygen index (OI) result suggests that type iii kerogen and type iii/ iv kerogen are most likely from terrestrial and varied settings origin. The low hydrogen, as well as, low S2 value indicate very little hydrocarbon generation potential. Similarly, The Tmax and PI data indicate immature to early mature source rock status and low conversion scenario. Furthermore, the supercritical CO2 is injected into the samples, which is similar to gas flooding experiments to understand the recovery process. Hydrocarbon recovery or, CO2-shale interaction is determined by comparing three different properties (TOC, SSA, and TGA) pre-and-post supercritical CO2 injection. Supercritical CO2 injection in immature shale shows very limited property changes (TOC, SSA, and TGA) to the samples. However, in presence of hydrocarbon the pre-and post-injection property changes TOC, TGA, and SSA (BET) are noticeable enough to conclude HC recovery. Although in the case of immature shale with no hydrocarbon potential the kerogen or bitumen extraction has not been detected, which can be significant in the case of greenhouse gas storage, especially CCUS. This could reduce the risk of Organic Matter (OM) migration possibility in case immature shale formation is present in a suitable geological location