Shale Gas
CSIRO is conducting a shale gas program to address research issues and the delivery of services to the Australian industry.
Activities and capabilities for shale gas
ORGANIC MATTER CHARACTERISATION
CSIRO’s organic geochemistry and petrology teams conducts research into shale gas, source rock quality, thermal maturity evaluation, petroleum geochemistry, and environmental geochemistry. We develop techniques to help reduce exploration risk, aid in appraisal of oil and gas fields, facilitate production and assess the impact of hydrocarbons on the environment.
GEOMECHANICS
CSIRO has a world class rock mechanics laboratory for determining static and dynamic rock properties, including tests under high pressure, high temperature and with ultrasonic and microseismic (acoustic emission) capability. Anisotropy is also a significant area of study. The experimental
facility is supported by significant geomechanical and rock physics modelling capability.
STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY/GEOPHYSICS
We conduct research to help understand the architecture and deformation history of hydrocarbon-bearing sedimentary sequences to predict both the occurrence and distribution of potential reservoirs.
PETROPHYSICS
Our petrophysics activity includes laboratory and wireline log determination of the petrophysical response of rocks, including electrical and dielectric properties, nuclear magnetic resonance and rock physics. We also conduct computed tomography (CT) and MicroCT scanning, digital rock properties and other specialist visualisation techniques.
UNCONVENTIONAL PETROLEUM RESERVOIR ENGINEERING
CSIRO is integrating laboratory experiments and novel numerical modelling techniques to meet the challenges and improve the management of production from coal seam gas and shale gas reservoirs. We are also investigating adsorption and desorption of gas and modelling of such processes.
HYDRAULIC FRACTURING
We are developing a comprehensive understanding of hydraulic fracture mechanics of naturally fractured reservoirs through theoretical development, numerical modelling, and laboratory and field experimentation. For example, one numerical model considers the effect of fracture–fracture interaction, fracture branching and offsetting on pressure, growth rate and ultimate extent.
SHALE RESEARCH CENTRE
The Shale Research Centre is an association of CSIRO laboratories and researchers combining experimental and theoretical research expertise aimed at understanding clay and shale behaviour applied to wellbore stability, pore pressure prediction, seal integrity, shale gas, CO2 storage and seismic imaging. A strong focus area is the links between geomechanics, rock physics and petrophysics in shales as overburden or reservoir rocks.
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Other areas of focus include:
providing insight into reservoir fluid and dynamic processes using industry seismic and electromagnetic data, with expertise in quantitative interpretation
3D and 4D seismic
stratigraphic forward modelling of organic-rich facies
rock physics experiments and theory
modelling of coupled processes.
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