The effect of organic matter quantity and mineral composition on the adsorption capacity in the shales

The purpose of this study is to investigate the adsorption characteristics with major element and mineral contents of shale samples from Exshaw and Patry members in the Besa River Formation of the Liard Basin. Geochemistry analysis and high pressure methane adsorption test are carried out to analyze the adsorption characteristics of total organic carbon (TOC) and major element and mineral composition of the shales. The results show that total organic carbon of the samples is in the range of 3.18-9.86%, and the major elements are dominated by SiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , Fe 2 O 3 , and CaO. The mineral composition of the samples are composed of quartz, muscovite/illite, calcite, and pyrite. Adsorption tests are performed from 0 psig to 4,500 psig considering the known characteristics of the shale. Langmuir volume is in the range of 101.8-167.0 scf/ton, and Langmuir pressure is in the range of 97.5-881.3 psia, respectively. In addition, the correlation between TOC, major elements, mineral contents, and the Langmuir volume are analyzed. Langmuir volume is not related with TOC but inversely proportional to the SiO 2 and quartz contents, and proportional to the clay content. Therefore, it is expected that the correlation between the adsorption capacity and the geochemical properties of shale samples in the Liard Basin is to be used as a major factor for reservoir characterization.