A Rock Physics Model for Estimating Elastic Properties of Organic Shales

Abstract

Summary In this paper, a theoretical rock physics model is presented to estimate the effective elastic properties of organic-rich shale. A clay-kerogen mixture is set as the background material, and is simulated using anisotropic self-consistent (SCA) and differential effective-medium (DEM) theories. Both clay-related pores and brittle minerals related pores are considered in the modelling. Comparison of estimated results with experimental measurements indicates the feasibility of using SCA+DEM to simulate organic-rich shale. We also analyse the effects of anisotropy on the characterization of shale brittleness using the proposed model, and we discuss the influence of the alignment of each clay-kerogen block on anisotropic properties.