Using noble gas geochemistry to evaluate fluid migration in hydrocarbon bearing black shales

Abstract

American energy costs steadily increase leading to increased unconventional energy use. However, scientific barriers prevent widespread and economic development of these resources. In gas shale plays, resource utilization is limited by the understanding of how hydrocarbons and other fluids migrate in fractured rock. This limits industry's ability to extract hydrocarbons with enhanced recovery methods; prevents exploration in areas where hydrocarbons do not collect in traditional traps; and could unfortunately lead to dangerous environmental consequences such as contaminated groundwater. To address these concerns, the present invention integrates geochemical and geostructural techniques in a novel method for evaluating and optimizing the placement and drilling strategies of extraction wells in hydrocarbon rich black shales. By correctly choosing hydrocarbon “sweet spots” companies can reduce the number of unprofitable wells, choose directional drilling and completion strategies to accurately reflect the subsurface, and better select prime small- and full-field reservoirs.

1 . A method comprising:
 a. Analyzing noble gases to determine the style of fluid migration in the sub-surface;   b. Analyzing noble gases to distinguish fracture density; and   c. Optimizing the direction and orientation of fluid migration with noble gas and trace element chemistry