Khawaja Hasnain Iltaf / Earth & Environmental Sciences / Faculty Mentor: Majie Fan, Qinhong Hu
The extraction of hydrocarbons from shale rock formations has become increasingly significant in recent years. To analyze the composition and pore structure of these rocks and assess their hydrocarbon extraction potential, various techniques, including petrographic analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mercury injection porosimetry (MIP), and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) were employed. The aim of this study was to characterize the mineral composition, surface morphology, and pore size distribution of the Upper Devonian New Albany Shale (NAS) formation in the Illinois Basin. The petrographic analyses provided insights into the mineral composition and texture of New Albany Shale, revealing the presence of quartz, clay minerals (e.g., illite and smectite), feldspars, micas, and pyrite. The shale exhibited a laminated appearance with alternating layers of different mineral compositions, and organic matter was observed as dark, amorphous material under the optical microscope. XRD was employed to determine the mineralogy and crystal structure, identifying quartz, clay minerals (e.g., illite and smectite), feldspars, calcite, and pyrite; the analysis of peak intensities and positions revealed details about the abundance and crystal structure of different minerals in the shale. SEM, MIP, and SAXS were utilized to characterize the pore structures of shale rocks, revealing intricate pore networks with varying diameters that influence rock permeability and porosity. SAXS investigation showed an average pore size diameter ranging from 1 to 5 nanometers, while MIP testing indicated pore throat diameters primarily falling within the range of 2.8 to 50 nanometers, along with an average porosity of 5%. Shale rock characterization using a combination of methods is essential for a better understanding of shale rock behavior and fluid movement within the matrix, enabling the development of efficient and sustainable extraction strategies.
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