As same as other countries in the world, China is also facing the problem of a severe shortage of energy. Specifically, the demand for natural gas is rising explosively after the energy consumption structure has changed from oil to gas. Due to various reasons and motivations, shale has been considered having great reserves and believed in alleviating the energy crisis. Nevertheless, the massive investment in developing shale has a disappointing interest with low-yielding production. Scholars have done many researches and experiments for investigating the causes and increasing the productivity of shale formation, in field and in laboratory respectively. Based on the statistics, more details, and further discussion, in this dissertation a probable method for more effectively producing was demonstrated. Although the hydro-fracturing technology has been conducted in field frequently, sometimes the decrease of permeability has been observed after the treatment. To figure out this phenomenon, the investigation started from the basic characterization of matrix. Believed in the most component in shale, quartz consisted of silica which could dissolve in fluid. Been assigned as variables, temperature, pH, and salinity have been implemented for explanation of dissolution. Temperature played a great role in the process. Combined with confining pressure, the reconsolidation happened inside samples. Through more experiments the mechanism of reconsolidation has been discovered that both confining pressure and temperature are necessary for gelling in fracture. Perspective on the whole formation, well logs were a super supplement to laboratory experiments. It serviced not only a further confirmation, but also pointed out the relationship between desorption capacity and different components. Samples from upper and lower formations have been used for going further. The exchange which exists between N2 and CH4 could be a great idea to exploit gas from reservoir. Feldspar supported space for adsorbed gas, and it was also easy to release. In contrast, the organic matter in which a network of pores developed has ability to trap the gas deeply because of the specific surface area. Quartz had positive effect on production because of containing the organic matter, while the influence of clay minerals on adsorption and desorption could be neglected. Based on the analysis of reconsolidation and desorption, an idea has been conceived using foam as fracturing fluid for increasing gas production. Compared to the pure fluid, foam has less water, which could prevent the reconsolidation. Nitrogen could be the gas to foam. The exchange between N2 and CH4 will increase the production of gas. In order to serve the condition that increases the time of exchange and makes negative effect on reconsolidation simultaneously, the foaming test with ABS and K12 has been evaluated first. For better stability of foam more experiment have been done. Three formulas were recommended which could keep the balance between the increasing viscosity and decreasing volume. The work interpreted in this thesis has enhanced our understanding of microscopic properties of shale and was expected to make contribution to further research of fracturing and production design.

To meet the global hydrocarbon energy demand, it is imperative either to enhance the production from existing fields by applying innovative engineering solutions or discovering new field /resource areas. Both of these options are investigated by petroleum engineers intensively to tackle the challenges of meeting the ever-increasing demand. Meeting the energy demand as, like any other developing country, Jordan is facing a formidable challenge and requires exploration for conventional and unconventional hydrocarbon resources. As Jordan has a long exploration history for conventional reservoirs, Unconventional resource exploration and production seems to be the way to find new energy sources. Different exploration wells were drilled to evaluate the hydrocarbon potential. This research work is focusing on an experimental investigation to evaluate Jordanian hydrocarbon potential as well as to provide recommendations for future exploration activities in shale resources. The Evaluations were performed through comprehensive laboratory experiments that include measurements of Total Organic Content, Grain density, Pore Size Distribution, Specific Surface Area (BET), Mineralogy, Thermogravimetry Analysis, and Rock-Eval pyrolysis. The petrophysical properties (TOC, grain density, pore size distribution) of Jordanian shale (nine different wells) are investigated. The TOC and grain density are in an inversely proportional relationship. The TOC results show a gradual increment with the depth. All the samples have higher porosity dominated by macro pores. Fourteen (14) samples were selected primarily based on TOC (above 1.5%) for further analysis. The specific surface area results show a proportional relationship with the TOC content. Considering the petrophysical properties and mineralogy, these Jordanian shales broadly can be considered as high porosity clay and mudstone type of shale. Thermogravimetry analysis (TG/DTG) results indicate quantitative information related to organic and inorganic matter. Detection of thermos-reactive minerals, especially clay, carbonate, muscovite, pyrite is possible due to the combination of TG/DTG/DSC. The samples are examined under three different procedures which includes different heating programs. The oxidizing and inert atmospheric conditions (procedure i & ii) have the same heating program whereas procedure iii (inert atmospheric condition) has a heating program similar to the Rock-Eval pyrolysis program. The results of these samples show the complex nature of shale as well as organic matter by reacting in different stages (two or, three stages). Depending of the maturity of organic matter, the reaction occurring temperature range varies. Maximum oxidization reaction peaks happen between 479°C to 502°C. The maximum pyrolysis reaction peaks between 498°C to 521°C. Compared with complex heating (procedure iii) and rock Eval pyrolysis, S2 results indicate a high amount of inorganic compounds. Considering TGA reaction peaks and rock Eval pyrolysis results, these Jordanian shales indicate immature with low hydrocarbon generation potential. The Jordanian shale samples are analyzed by using Rock-Eval pyrolysis. Analysis results are used to interpret petroleum potential in rocks. The most important information includes organic matter types (also connected with the depositional settings), organic matter thermal maturity, and the remaining hydrocarbon generation potential in the current form. The organic geochemical analysis results indicate mostly poor to no source rock potential except JF2-760 samples. The hydrogen index (HI) and oxygen index (OI) result suggests that type iii kerogen and type iii/ iv kerogen are most likely from terrestrial and varied settings origin. The low hydrogen, as well as, low S2 value indicate very little hydrocarbon generation potential. Similarly, The Tmax and PI data indicate immature to early mature source rock status and low conversion scenario. Furthermore, the supercritical CO2 is injected into the samples, which is similar to gas flooding experiments to understand the recovery process. Hydrocarbon recovery or, CO2-shale interaction is determined by comparing three different properties (TOC, SSA, and TGA) pre-and-post supercritical CO2 injection. Supercritical CO2 injection in immature shale shows very limited property changes (TOC, SSA, and TGA) to the samples. However, in presence of hydrocarbon the pre-and post-injection property changes TOC, TGA, and SSA (BET) are noticeable enough to conclude HC recovery. Although in the case of immature shale with no hydrocarbon potential the kerogen or bitumen extraction has not been detected, which can be significant in the case of greenhouse gas storage, especially CCUS. This could reduce the risk of Organic Matter (OM) migration possibility in case immature shale formation is present in a suitable geological location.