The Development of Fractures in Domanic Formation Rocks during the Kerogen Maturation

Many unconventional hydrocarbon reservoirs (Bazhenov formation rocks, khadumites, and domanics) contain kerogen, which turns into hydrocarbons (oil, gas) under pressure and temperature over time. This process leads to an increase in pore pressure and formation of void space in the kerogen, either in kerogen itself or at the boundary between kerogen and mineral substance. The shape of the resulting voids may vary (pores, fractures). The purpose of the work: to verify the assumption that a change in the elastic properties of the fluid (oil generated during the maturation of kerogen may be an indirect sign of the degree of maturity of kerogen, determined by geophysical methods. This paper analyses the process of crack formation at the contact of kerogen and mineral grains during the conversion of kerogen into oil. This paper analyses the process of fracture development at the contact surface between kerogen and mineral grains during the conversion of kerogen into oil. It analyses the largest possible size of fractures, and the maximum pressure preventing a single or multiple fractures from opening, and fluid migration start.