Key mechanical problems in the developmentof shale gas reservoirs

Abstract

Shale gas resources and development situation are outlined briefly. Based on pore structure characteristics at micro/nano scale, mechanics features and exploitation method of shale gas reservoir, mechanisms of multi-scale, multi-physics field flow dynamics in the exploitation of shale gas are reviewed systematically, and it is concluded that transport and adsorption-desorption mechanism at micro/nano scale, hydraulic fracture propagation mechanism and macro flow simulation of stimulated reservoir volume fracture network are key frontier mechanical problems to be solved in the development of shale gas reservoirs. Research approaches are proposed, which promotes the development of energy, especially has significant impact on the scientific and effective exploitation of shale gas reservoirs in china.