Visualization Of Porosity Evolution Of Oil-Shale Pyrolysis Using X-ray Computed Tomography

摘要

This paper summarizes results of a successful laboratory investigation to visualize porosity evolution of oil-shale pyrolysis using X-ray computed tomography (CT). Uniform maturation of the sample required the development of a new pyrolysis cell. The cell is designed for cell wall temperatures up to 450 °C at an operating pressure of 5.52 MPa (800 psi). Internal temperatures up to 840 °C and heating rates up to 70 °C/min have been achieved in this new cell. Combining CT imaging techniques with krypton as a pore contrast fluid reveals the porosity distribution of the immature and thermally matured shale sample. Results show dramatic changes in porosity accompanying pyrolysis. Core krypton porosities increase from about 9% to 25% upon pyrolysis. Overall, the samples develop a multimodal distribution of porosity. A key to the success of the CT imaging is the introduction of carbon fiber components.