Integration of Multi-Scale 3D Imaging of Porosity in Shales

In this research the Haynesville-Bossier Shale play (USA), which is a clay-bearing siliceous, organic-rich, gas-mature shale play, was characterized over pore diameters ranging 2 nm to 3000 nm. Three advanced imaging techniques were utilized correlatively, including the application of Xe+ plasma focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (plasma FIB or PFIB), complemented by the Ga+FIB method which is now frequently used to characterise porosity and organic/inorganic phases, together with transmission electron microscope tomography of the nano-scale pores. This is the first study to comprehensively develop pore geometric and network models in 3D based on experimental characterisation over these critical length scales