A fractal model for real gas transport in porous shale

• DOI: 10.1002/aic.15516
• Publication Date: 2016-09-28T15:02:44Z
• Authors: Lidong Geng; Gensheng Li; Shouceng Tian; Mao Sheng; Wenxi Ren; Pacelli Zitha
• Keywords: Knudsen diffusion; Real gas; Gaseous diffusion

A model for real gas flow in shale matrices is proposed and consists of two main steps: (a) developing a microscopic (single pore) by generalizing our previously reported Extended Navier‐Stokes Equations (ENSE) method (b) using fractal theory concepts, up‐scaling the single pore to macroscopic scale. prominent feature up‐scaled predictor apparent permeability (AP). Both models are successfully validated with experimental data. The impact deviation behavior from ideality (real effect) on transport mechanisms investigated. effect structural parameters (porosity Ф, maximum diameter D max , minimum min ) matrix studied sensitivity analysis performed evaluate significance transport. We find that (1) porous both reliable reasonable; (2) affects thermodynamic free adsorption capacity adsorbed gas; (3) decreases effective convective surface diffusion; i.e., derivation degree bulk diffusion Knudsen increases increasing pressure but presents bathtub shape when smaller than 10 nm; (4) . It more sensitive followed porosity. has minor impact. © 2016 American Institute Chemical Engineers AIChE J 63: 1430–1440, 2017