Recent techniques on analyses and characterizations of shale gas and oil reservoir

This article offers a comprehensive review focused on the analysis and characterization of shale reservoirs, unconventional hydrocarbon resources that uniquely serve as both the source reservoir for gas and oil, and the rock. To analyze and characterize shale reservoirs, pore structure, rock components and rock mechanical properties are three main factors to analyze. These three main factors are necessary for successful field operations in shale reservoirs. Until now, there are various techniques utilized to characterize these three properties. Therefore, this study delves into the intricacies of shale reservoir's pore structure, rock components and mechanical properties under varying geological conditions, summarizing various techniques utilized to characterize these properties in previous studies. The study also discusses the role of analytical techniques in understanding the complex interactions between kerogen and the surrounding mineral matrix. By providing a summary of various techniques operated on the mentioned three main factors, this paper supplies the effective and optimal technique on analyzing different properties of shale reservoirs. Furthermore, the paper aims to contribute to more effective resource assessment and production optimization in shale reservoirs, offering insights that have significant implications for the future of unconventional hydrocarbon extraction. © 2024 The Authors