The basic thermodynamic framework based on classical thermodynamics and flow models based on single and multiphase flow equations based on Darcy’s Law have served the reservoir engineering community well since the inception of the discipline.  The applicability of this framework is challenged for fluids being produced from organic and clay rich reservoirs (shales) with rocks characterized by a complex pore structure with nanometer-sized pores.  There is evidence that thermodynamic properties of fluid mixtures are affected by their presence in pores smaller than a certain size.  Suppression of bubble point is the most consequential physical manifestation of this phenomenon.  Calculation of thermodynamic properties in a variety of settings using different modeling frameworks is discussed.  Confinement and surface activity also affects the use of Darcy’s Law pressure-flow relationships.  Models to calculate deviations are discussed.  Experimental evidence on both thermodynamic and flow aspects is presented followed by a discussion of challenges of incorporating and validating the models at the field or reservoir scale.

New thermodynamic and flow considerations for tight, organic-rich rocks

256th National Meeting (2018)

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