Methods for estimating resource density using raman spectroscopy of inclusions in shale resource plays

摘要

A method of determining the pressure of a light hydrocarbon, such as methane, in a shale source rock formation comprising: providing an inclusion comprising the light hydrocarbon trapped within the inclusion; using micro laser Raman spectroscopy, and more particularly Raman shift measurements, to determine the density and composition of the light hydrocarbon trapped within the inclusion; and calculating a pressure of the light hydrocarbon in the shale source rock formation based upon the density and composition of the light hydrocarbon trapped within the inclusion. Pressure and density of the light hydrocarbon are used to plot map of estimated ultimate recovery of said hydrocarbon.