Shale oil flow simulation considering laminar characteristics and desorption of ad-/absorbed oil from kerogen

Laminated continental shale oil reservoirs have the potential for commercial development. In this paper, a new simulation method for interlayer and intra-layer coupled flow in laminated shale reservoirs is established. This method simulates the structural characteristics of shale-sandstone longitudinal interlayer distribution by dual-porositysystem, and combines with chemical reaction model to characterize the desorption process of ad-/absorbed oil from kerogen in shale layers. Then, the intra-layer and interlayer interfacial flow mechanism in the depletion process is investigated, and the contribution of interfacial flow and desorption is analyzed. The results indicate that the sandstone layer is the main oil-producing layer, accounting for over 90% of the total oil production. However, the interlayer flow and kerogen desorption in the shale layers make significant contributions, resulting in an enhancement of 13.41% and 42.64% in the total oil production, respectively. Additionally, the desorption of ad-/absorbed oil from kerogen enhances the energy of both the shale and sandstone layers, significantly increasing their production. Moreover, higher pressure drawdown, total organic carbon (TOC) content, desorption rate, and horizontal permeability of sandstone layers are advantageous for the exploitation of shale oil. • A new simulation method for interlayer and intra-layer coupled flow in laminated shale reservoirs is established. • Simultaneous consideration of laminar characteristics and desorption of ad-/absorbed oil from kerogen. • With dual-porositysystem to represent the shale and sandstone layers. • With chemical reaction model to characterize the desorption process of ad-/absorbed oil from kerogen in shale layers.