Effects of Shear on Development Characteristics of Organic Matter Pores in Shale: A Case Study of Shale in the Niutitang Formation of the Well XAD1

The development characteristics of organic matter pores (OMPs) in shales is fundamental to the gas-bearing property of the shales. Detachment is one of the most common types of structural deformation in shale formations. To investigate the characteristics of OMPs in shear-deformed shale and the associated effects on the pore structure of shale gas reservoir, two sets of detachment zones and the intercalated non-detachment zone of shale formations in the Niutitang Formation of the Well XAD1 are studied. Based on scanning electron microscope observations and low-pressure gas adsorption tests, the impacts of shear on the shale pore structure are evaluated quantitively and the deformation mechanism for OMPs in shale is established.Results indicate that the dominant pore type of shale in the Niutitang Formation of the Well XAD1 is OMPs. With the mineral rheology, organic matters are enriched in the clay gouge, which are more prone to shear deformation compared with those outside the gouge. Under shear, pores developed within the organic matter experienced directional elongation and compression, decreasing the pore sizes and lowering the volumes of the corresponding pores <30 nm; and the contact surface between organic matter and minerals becomes dislocated and open, increasing the volumes of the corresponding pores >30 nm. The effect of shear on OMPs is dominated by pore reduction. The volume loss ratio of shale micropores in detachment zones is the highest which can reach over 90%. The impact of shear on pore structures of non-detachment zone cannot be neglected within the thickness range of 5–20 m from the detachment surface, and the degree of pore reduction gradually decreases as the distance from the detachment zones increases. It is indicated that the detachment and its adjacent horizons are not favorable for shale gas exploration because of the low porosity and adsorption capacity.