Abstract
In a study aimed at exploring novel methods for enhancing hydrocarbon extraction from shale reservoirs, we conducted an experimental study to model the effects of thermal steam treatment on high-carbon, low-permeability Domanic shale in the presence of sodium metal nanoparticles. We characterized the mineral composition of the rock samples and evaluated the yield and quality of extracted hydrocarbons before and after treatment. Our results demonstrated an increase in extract yield with increasing treatment temperature. Notably, we observed a significantly augmented effect when we introduced sodium nanoparticles into the reaction system, enabling a 100 °C reduction in treatment temperature while maintaining comparable capabilities for extracting organic matter. It was found that the experimental products exhibited enrichment in saturated hydrocarbons, coupled with a decrease in resinous-asphaltenic substances. Within the saturated fraction, we observed a shift towards lighter alkanes and cycloalkanes (C12–C14). Moreover, it has been found that the highest yield of low molecular weight liquid hydrocarbons is acheived in the experiment involving sodium nanoparticles at 250 °C. Upon further increasing the temperature to 300 °C, we noted a decline in liquid hydrocarbon content, accompanied by an increase in gaseous hydrocarbons (C1–C4). Besides, thermal steam treatment substantially reduced the proportion of sulfur-containing aromatic compounds, such as alkylbenzothiophenes, dibenzo- and naphthothiophenes, in the aromatic fraction. The addition of sodium nanoparticles facilitated near-complete desulfurization of this fraction. Moreover, we observed a significant reduction in the total sulfur content of the extracted organic matter. Hydrothermal treatment in the presence of nanoparticles induced transformations in the kerogen structure and structural and phase changes in the mineral components of the shale.
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