US oil and natural gas production could be maximized with a highly advanced lab’s new method

NETL researchers developed a lab method using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to analyze shale cores under high pressure and temperature.

The technique measures pore structure, fluid types, and saturation in unconventional reservoirs to better understand trapped hydrocarbons.

The data will support huff-and-puff recovery tests using natural gas, water, surfactants, or CO2 to mobilize remaining oil and gas.

If successful, the approach could boost production from existing wells and improve domestic energy reliability.