This seminar is presented by the School of Materials Science and Engineering. A reception will be held at 3:30 p.m. in the atrium outside of MARC Auditorium in the Materials Research Science & Engineering Center. The seminar will follow at 4:00 p.m. David Bucknall hosts this event.

Abstract:
In the last several years, natural gas extracted from shale rocks has grown to become a major factor in the world’s energy supply. This is a result of improved extraction methods and the exploration of previously neglected areas. Unlike conventional oil and gas deposits, where the rock-fluid interactions are well understood, our understanding of the physics of gas encapsulation and flow in shale is evolving. As a result, the production rates of wells within the same geologic formation can vary significantly and, perhaps there is opportunity to seek efficiencies in the number of wells drilled. Understanding the pore structure and how they are interconnected is the goal of this work, a challenging goal because pores in such rock can range from nm to mm in size. Exxon studies this using a multi-technique approach utilizing small-angle scattering, mercury injection capillary pressure (MICP) measurements and Helium ion microscopy. Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) measurements are used to characterize the pore size distribution. This work is providing new insight into the hydrocarbon source and storage mechanisms in unconventional shales that will be used to optimize reservoir production.

Biography:
Dr. Aaron  Eberle is a Senior Research Scientist with ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company in Annandale, New Jersey. He joined ExxonMobil Corporate Strategic Research after completing post-doctoral research at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NRC fellowship), and at the University of Delaware. He earned his B.S. degree from the University of Rochester in 2003, and his Ph.D. from Virginia Tech in 2008, both in the field of Chemical Engineering. At ExxonMobil, Aaron utilizes scattering techniques to study polymers, catalysts, and reservoir rocks.