Technique Development to Measure Reservoir Properties in Unconventional Shale Core Samples

The purpose of this thesis is to design, construct, and preliminarily operate the Precision Petrophysical Analysis Laboratory (PPAL) located in the Department of Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering at West Virginia University. The PPAL will analyze core samples of gas bearing shale with ultra low permeability and porosity by measuring these reservoir parameters. The measurements will take place under in situ conditions using a unique technique in conjunction with a computer and software capable of fully automating the process. The PPAL apparatus will have the capability of a confining pressure up to 10,000 psig and an operating gas/pore pressure of 1,500 psig. The resolution of the gas flow measurement is projected at approximately 10-6 or one millionth standard cubic centimeters per second. The pore volume resolution is anticipated to be approximately 10-2 or one hundredth cubic centimeters. In order to reach and maintain stable temperature, the entire system will be enclosed in a clear Lexan container. Electric heaters, fans, and sensors will be operated by an external controller providing temperature stability anticipated at approximately 1 part per thousand at 50°C.;The device will work by placing cylindrical rock core samples under net pressures representative of in situ conditions. A differential pressure will flow gas through the rock. Once through the rock, the gas will build pressure on a sensitive differential pressure transducer. The rate at which the pressure builds in the downstream line is converted to a flow. The flow rate can be inserted into Darcy’s Law and the permeability can be determined. Porosity is measured using another sensitive differential pressure transducer and a calibrated displacement pump. Boyle’s Law can be used to find the porosity of the sample.;Two samples were measured for permeability and porosity. Both samples were horizontal outcrop of the Marcellus. The first sample measured zero porosity and permeability with no flow. The second sample measured a porosity of almost 4 percent and a permeability of 0.6 microdarcies.