Abstract
The adsorption capacity of shale gas is critical for reservoir evaluation and reserves assessment. In this paper, we focus on studing the microstructure of the cores from Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation shale in southeast district of Chongqing. Parameters of nanopore structures are calculated and the adsorption capacity of core samples is determined through the low temperature nitrogen adsorption experiments. Based on the methane adsorption capacity of core sample measured by isothermal adsorption experiment, the correlation of adsorption content, pore structure, TOC and mineralogy are analyzed to discuss the major controlling factors on the adsorption capacity of shale. Results indicate that the pores with diameter less than 50 nm are the main contributor for providing gas storage space and TOC governs the nanopore volume and specific surface area, which are the two important factors for the adsorption capacity, while clay content has little impact on it.