Pore structure evolution of lacustrine organic-rich shale from the second member of the Kongdian formation in the Cangdong Sag, Bohai Bay Basin, China

Pyrolysis experiments were conducted on lacustrine organic-rich shale from Cangdong Sag in Bohai Bay Basin, China, to investigate the impact of hydrocarbon generation on shale pore structure evolution. Thermal evolution is found to control the transformation of organic matter, hydrocarbon products characteristics, and pore structure changes. Furthermore, pore volume and specific surface area increase with increasing maturity. In low-mature stage, the retained oil content begins to increase, pore volumes show slight changes, and primary pores are occluded by the generated crude oil of high molecular weight and density. In the oil-window stage, the retained oil content rapidly increases and reaches maximum, and pore volumes gradually increase with increasing thermal maturity. At high mature stage, the retained oil content begins to decrease, and the pore volume increases considerably owing to the expulsion of liquid hydrocarbon. In over mature stage, natural gas content significantly increases and kerogen transforms to asphalt. Numerous organic pores are formed and the pore size gradually increases, resulting from the connection of organic pores caused the increasing thermal stress. This study lays a foundation for understanding variation of hydrocarbon products during the thermal evolution of lacustrine shales and its relationship with the evolution of shale reservoirs.