There are two gases produced from source rocks (shales and coals).The first is in-place thermogenic gas generated and retained over geologic time.The second is catalytic gas generated in real time (during production) through the action of natural catalysts in these rocks (Low-temperature gas from marine shales).There are compositional and dynamic differences clearly distinguishing the two gases.Stimulated by gas flow and lower pressures, shales generate catalytic gas autocatalytically, at rates increasing exponentially with time.Catalytic gas displaces thermogenic gas in days, becoming the major gas produced over the lifetime of a well.Like any industrial catalytic process, the Catalytic Path is controlled by the source rock’s catalytic properties and production conditions (flow rates, pressure, and temperature) and these determine the generation of Catalytic Hydrocarbons over time. We operate on two principles:
• A rock’s catalytic activity measured in the laboratory predicts Catalytic Hydrocarbon generation in production.
• Sustained and high-efficiency production can be engineered.
Since Catalytic Hydrocarbons do not yet exist prior to production, they are not included in estimates of in-place, producible reserves.It is a potential reserve, in the form of heavy hydrocarbons that will be converted to gas and light oil as the in-place hydrocarbons are withdrawn from the rock.Source rocks rich in heavy hydrocarbons and natural catalytic activity, can, in theory, sequester potential reserves that greatly surpass in-place reserves.
What are Catalytic Hydrocarbons? Natural gas and light oil generated in real time during production through the Catalytic Path, i.e. catalytic reactions in the shale or coalbed source rocks.
What creates them? The catalytic agents are likely transition metals contained in source rocks and deposited in organic-rich anoxic sediments. When pressure drops upon drilling and gas or light oil flows, the Catalytic Path is turned on, and Catalytic Hydrocarbon generation begins. Fracking further stimulates the Catalytic Path. Very high or low pressures, and static conditions (closed systems) terminate generation.
What sustains them? It is self-sustaining and auto-catalytic. Because the Catalyic Path is exothermic it generates the heat that sustains generation at low temperatures. Shales with high concentrations of active metals and abundant amounts of feed (kerogen and bitumens) should be robust generators under favorable reservoir conditions.
Are Catalytic Hydrocarbons important in production? Field testing shows that Catalytic Gas comprises the majority of gas produced in shale plays. In-place gas falls exponentially with production over time. Catalytic Gas does not. Generation rates are controlled by the amounts of active metals and charge (kerogen and bitumens).
Can Catalytic Gas and Light Oil be engineered to generate higher production rates? They can be engineered as a catalytic chemical process to maximize production rates and sustain generation over time.
