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Natural gas

New Research on Shale Gas Diffusion in Sinusoidal Channels Advances Energy Science and Engineering

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers from Yangtze University have conducted a study on the diffusion behavior of methane in nanopores within shale formations, providing significant insights into the mechanisms of methane transport. The investigation utilized a lattice Boltzmann model to simulate the effects of methane diffusion in sinusoidal channels. The study found that methane diffusion is significantly influenced by large-amplitude protrusions, leading to an increase in diffusion velocity.

Key Takeaways:

  • The research suggests that organic pores serve as the primary medium for the storage and transport of methane in shale formations.
  • The diffusion behavior of methane within organic matter is crucial for enhancing shale gas production.
  • The lattice Boltzmann model constructed by the researchers demonstrated that methane diffusion is influenced by the number, amplitude, and spacing of protrusions in sinusoidal channels.
  • Large-amplitude protrusions lead to an increase in diffusion velocity, while multiple protrusions consecutive to each other result in significant variations in diffusion velocity.
  • Misaligned protrusions enable the formation of continuous channels and maintain high diffusion velocities.
  • The study's findings contribute to understanding the diffusion mechanisms of methane in irregular nano-channels.
  • Authors of the research include Dehua Liu, Xu Yan, Jichao Zhao, Yuli Chang, and Yafei Xu from Yangtze University.

Statistics:

  • The study examined the influence of protrusions on methane diffusion in sinusoidal channels.
  • The researchers used a lattice Boltzmann model to simulate the diffusion effects of methane.
  • The study found that methane diffusion velocity increases with large-amplitude protrusions.
  • The diffusion velocity is significantly affected by the number, amplitude, and spacing of protrusions in sinusoidal channels.
  • The study demonstrated that methane diffusion is influenced by the protrusions on one side when they are misaligned.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Data from Yangtze University Advance Knowledge in Energy Science and Engineering (Lattice Boltzmann Method Simulations About Shale Gas Diffusion In Sinusoidal Channels). Energy Weekly News. August 1, 2025; p 45.
  • Energy Science & Engineering, 2025.
  • Wiley, 111 River St, Hoboken 07030-5774, NJ, USA.

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