Nano-scale beam testing for kerogen mechanical properties

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for hydraulic fracturing in unconventional hydrocarbon reservoirs, such as those with kerogen-rich rocks, lack understanding of kerogen's role in tensile and compressive failure mechanisms, which affects the efficiency and effectiveness of hydrocarbon extraction.

Innovation Solution

The development of nano-scale beam testing methods using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to evaluate the mechanical properties of kerogen-rich reservoir rocks, including tension tests and cantilever tests, to determine the material parameters like tensile strength and modulus of rupture, providing insights into the failure mechanisms of kerogen and its impact on the shale matrix.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional hydraulic fracturing methods are used in kerogen-rich reservoirs, then hydrocarbon extraction can be performed, but the efficiency is reduced due to lack of understanding of kerogen's mechanical behavior

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrocarbon extraction efficiencyVSAvoidunderstanding of kerogen failure mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the reservoir rock into nano-scale beams (100-1000 nm dimensions) to isolate and test kerogen's mechanical properties independently from the bulk rock matrix. This segmentation enables direct observation of kerogen's tensile strength and failure mechanisms at the nano-level, providing the missing information needed to improve hydraulic fracturing efficiency in kerogen-rich reservoirs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional macro-scale mechanical testing with nano-scale beam testing using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This substitution enables direct visualization and measurement of kerogen's mechanical behavior at the appropriate scale, revealing failure mechanisms that were previously inaccessible and improving understanding for optimized hydrocarbon extraction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If nano-scale beam testing is performed to evaluate kerogen properties, then detailed material parameters can be obtained, but the device complexity and measurement difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekerogen material parameter determinationVSAvoidnano-scale beam testing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple advanced techniques (TEM, SEM, nano-indentation, and beam theory calculations) into a unified testing framework. This integration allows simultaneous acquisition of high-resolution images, mechanical load data, and material parameter calculations from a single nano-scale beam test, achieving precise kerogen property measurement while managing the inherent complexity through systematic combination of methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces computational beam theory as an intermediary that bridges the gap between experimental nano-scale measurements and macro-scale reservoir properties. By using beam theory to calculate material parameters from nano-test data, the patent translates difficult-to-obtain nano-scale measurements into useful engineering parameters for hydraulic fracturing design, reducing the practical difficulty of applying these measurements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach allows for a deeper understanding of kerogen's mechanical behavior, enhancing the efficiency of hydraulic fracturing by identifying the tensile strength and failure mechanisms of kerogen-rich shale, thereby optimizing hydrocarbon extraction processes.

Implementation Method 1

The tension test is imaged using a transmission electron microscope (TEM)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTransmission electron microscopy:

Implementation Method 2

The mechanical experiment is imaged using a scanning electron microscope (SEM)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScanning electron microscopy:

Implementation Method 3

heat is applied to the nano-scale beam while performing the cantilever test

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal heating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS10379068B2Nano-level evaluation of kerogen-rich reservoir rock

Publication Date: 2019.08.13 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

Nano-level evaluation of kerogen-rich reservoir rock is described. A nano-scale beam is formed from kerogen-rich reservoir rock. The nano-scale beam includes reservoir rock and kerogen having polymeric properties. A mechanical experiment is performed on the nano-scale beam. The mechanical experiment is imaged using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) or a transmission electron microscope (TEM). A material parameter of the kerogen in the nano-scale beam is determined based on the mechanical experiment and images obtained responsive to the imaging.