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Real-time imaging of oil shale pyrolysis dynamics at nanoscale via environmental scanning electron microscopy

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  • Pan, Bin
  • Yin, Xia
  • Yang, Zhengru
  • Ghanizadeh, Amin
  • Debuhr, Chris
  • Clarkson, Christopher R.
  • Gou, Feifei
  • Zhu, Weiyao
  • Ju, Yang
  • Iglauer, Stefan

Abstract

Pyrolysis is a promising technology to increase pore and fracture connectivity in oil shale and thereby accomplish commercial recovery of unconventional hydrocarbons. Herein, real-time oil shale pyrolysis dynamics are imaged at nanoscale via environmental scanning electron microscopy (imaging resolution of 58 nm/pixel, imaging speed of 1 frame per second, and heating temperature up to 750 °C). It is counterintuitively observed that 1) inorganic nano-fractures started to appear below 100 °C; 2) inorganic nano-fracture width had a non-monotonous relationship with temperature; and 3) organic kerogen areas decreased monotonously with increasing temperature. These findings will establish a standard benchmark for unconventional resource recovery, promote fundamental understanding of oil shale pyrolysis dynamics at nanoscale and provide key guidance on oil shale extraction at reservoir scale.

Suggested Citation

  • Pan, Bin & Yin, Xia & Yang, Zhengru & Ghanizadeh, Amin & Debuhr, Chris & Clarkson, Christopher R. & Gou, Feifei & Zhu, Weiyao & Ju, Yang & Iglauer, Stefan, 2024. "Real-time imaging of oil shale pyrolysis dynamics at nanoscale via environmental scanning electron microscopy," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 363(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:363:y:2024:i:c:s0306261924004768
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.123093
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    References listed on IDEAS

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