Concurrent influence of geological parameters on the integrated nano-pore structure and discretized pore families of the petroliferous Cambay shale assessed through multivariate dependence measure

Abstract

Heterogeneous nanopore structure and distribution regulate the gas trapping, desorption kinetics, and diffusion in shale matrices. In shale, pores range from continuous micro- and mesopore size distributions, varying with organic (total organic matter-TOC) and inorganic constituents (clay content, Fe-bearing minerals, quartz, etc.). Previous research only showed a linear relationship of pore parameters with these intrinsic properties of shale, which limits our understanding of the concurrent influence of multiple intrinsic rock properties. As a result, in this work, we established multivariate dependency of nanopore structure, distribution, and complexity (from low-pressure N2 and CO2 sorption and small-angle scattering; SAXS/MSANS) in the previously little-studied Cambay shales and provided a better tool (partial least square regression) for analyzing the simultaneous effect of intrinsic shale properties on multiply connected pore-parameters. Furthermore, we discretized continuous pore-size distribution into individual pore families using deconvolution to understand the pore space better. Additionally, predicted shale formation environment in terms of deposition probability (P+) and dissolution probability (P−) using a dynamic model of the fractal interface by precipitation and dissolution. Our findings indicate that the Cambay shales have a high potential for future hydrocarbon exploration (S2: 2.42–12.04 mg HC/g rock), “very good” (2-4 wt.%) to “excellent” (>4 wt.%) TOC content, and thermally mature type II–III admixed and type III kerogen. Deconvolution of the micro- and mesopore size distributions reveals that pore width (w) ranges ∼15.30–35 nm occupies greater than 50% of the total pore volume, and its pore volume increases with the presence of quartz, Fe-bearing minerals, and clay content. However, pores with w∼ 3.60–15.30 nm increase exclusively with TOC. In the micro- and early mesopore region, pore volume decreases with TOC from w∼ 0.30–0.75 nm and increases with TOC from w∼ 0.75–3.60 nm. Furthermore, TOC in shale increases the specific surface area and pore volume (micro-, meso-, and total pores), enhancing both sorption and free gas storage capacities. Cambay shales were likely deposited in three distinct environments, with precipitation probability (P+) values of 1, 0.7–0.8, and 0.5, as revealed by a fractal dimension (Ds) analysis of multiple samples.