Microscale Pore Characterization of Bakken Formation Available to Purchase

Oil and gas production from the unconventional resources has increased over the last decade. Despite the significant production from the middle siliciclastic/carbonate member of the Bakken Formation in the Williston Basin, little has been produced from the upper and lower shales. Understanding the pore geometry and structures as it relates to porosity in organic material is essential. The objective of this study is to use NMR T₂ to determine how the porosity of NMR is evident in organic pores and link its porosity to porosity seen in the scanning electron microscope (SEM) on ion milled samples to understand the nanometer and micrometer scale pore properties and pore geometry. Results show that with maturation, pores within the kerogen marcerals changed in size, frequency and shape. Linking the NMR pore and SEM pores provided an understanding of the pore properties and geometry which is important in evaluating and developing of Bakken Shales, thus maximize production.