Pyrolysis-Induced Evolution of the Elastic and Transport Properties of the Barnett Shale

The goal of this study is to more accurately establish the cause-and-effect relationships between organic geochemistry, rock physics, and shale microstructures as the organic-rich Barnett shale matures. We build upon previous work by performing laboratory pyrolysis of core plugs at both temperature (360-425 °C) and hydrostatic confining pressures (22-25 MPa). By iteratively characterizing the velocity, porosity, permeability, and microstructure of an initially thermally immature, outcrop Barnett shale sample, we are able to determine the effect of the thermal decomposition of organic matter on the rock physics signatures of the intact composite rock.