Physical Property of Shales

Porosity ( \(\phi\) ) of shale samples was calculated from bulk density and skeletal density. Samples were dried at 105 °C overnight, and then the skeletal densities (ρskeletal) were measured using a helium pycnometer based on Boyle’s Law. The bulk density (ρbulk) of cylindrical plug samples was determined by caliper measurements. The bulk density of rock fragments was determined using the buoyancy method (Archimedes principle) after saturation with de-ionized water.