Clay-induced permeability decline in sandstone reservoirs: Insights from a coupled NMR-SEM experimental approach

Ines, Raies; Marc, Fleury; Eric, Kohler; Nicolas, Pédel; Béatrice, Ledésert

doi:10.1016/j.geothermics.2023.102784

Cited by 5 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 35 publications

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“…The reinjected water carries only nano-sized particles, like illite, at relatively low concentrations but causes severe permeability impairment due to pore clogging by the transported particles [122,123]. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) is a powerful method to evaluate the clogging phenomena [124,125]. Independent NMR measurements allow to estimate the mean distance between the deposited clay particles and the reduction of this distance during clay injection reflecting the compaction of the deposit over time due to pore space particle accumulation [124].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) is a powerful method to evaluate the clogging phenomena [124,125]. Independent NMR measurements allow to estimate the mean distance between the deposited clay particles and the reduction of this distance during clay injection reflecting the compaction of the deposit over time due to pore space particle accumulation [124]. Coupled NMR measurements and SEM imaging [124] allow to show where deposition occurs, for example on the surface of quartz grains or within pores and the shape and orientation of the deposits which contribute to permeability reduction and that threaten geothermal projects.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The use of newly formed minerals to characterize geothermal reservoirs and their cap rock: examples from intracontinental extensional basins and volcanic islands in subduction context

Ledésert

2023

Preprint

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Geothermal energy aims at harnessing the heat of the Earth to produce energy, from the near-surface to great depths. Emphasis is put on geothermal reservoirs in crystalline rocks, hence vol-canic islands and crystalline basements of sedimentary basins based on three examples world-wide. Hot brines circulate in those rocks and are responsible for their hydrothermal alteration because of fluid-rock interactions. This includes dissolution of preexisting minerals and crystal-lization of newly formed ones which provide many information of crucial importance for a better exploration of those reservoirs. For example, the crystallization of clay minerals results from the dissolution of preexisting minerals (feldspar and ferro-magnesian minerals in plutonic, volcanic or metamorphic rocks) or from the direct precipitation from geothermal brines, in specific condi-tions. Clay minerals are found in both the geothermal reservoirs and in the clay-cap found above them. Other newly formed minerals such as quartz, carbonates or sulfates have also recorded the conditions of temperature and salinity encountered by fossil reservoirs which can be evaluated thanks to the study of fluid inclusions trapped during their crystallization. This paper presents results from several geothermal deep sites and surface analogues to pinpoint the role played by newly-formed minerals in the characterization of geothermal reservoirs and their cap-rock.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The use of newly formed minerals to characterize geothermal reservoirs and their cap rock: examples from intracontinental extensional basins and volcanic islands in subduction context

Ledésert

2023

Preprint

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“…By comparing the NMR images of cores before and after water flooding, it was discovered that the water-sensitive damage in this tight reservoir is mainly caused by the expansion and migration of clay minerals, leading to a reduction in pore sizes larger than 35 μm and a decrease in porosity. Some scholars have gained insights into the damage of water injection on reservoirs by combining NMR with other characterization methods.Wang et al 32 and Ines et al 33 used a combination of NMR experiments and scanning electron microscopy to find that particle blockage caused by particle migration during water injection goes through two stages. In the first stage, particles undergo surface deposition, and in the second stage, migrating particles block pore throats.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Reservoir Injury Rules of Water Injection to an Ultralow Permeability Reservoir: Experimental Research Based on Core-NMR and Microfluidic Technology

Zhu,

Tang,

et al. 2024

Energy Fuels

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Water flooding is one of the important methods for developing ultralow permeability reservoirs. However, due to the high clay mineral content in these reservoirs and poor compatibility between injected water and formation fluids (such as formation water), the reservoirs suffer damage. Previous studies have lacked research on the dynamic damage patterns of internal structures during the water flooding process in ultralow permeability cores. Addressing this, this study focuses on an ultralow permeability reservoir in northwest China, analyzing the pore-permeability characteristics, pore structures, and clay mineral composition of core samples. Using core nuclear magnetic resonance displacement technology, it examines microstructural changes in pore spaces at various locations and employs microfluidic experimental techniques to replicate the transport behavior of scale particles during water flooding in low permeability porous media. Together, these findings reveal the damage mechanisms of this ultralow permeability reservoir, where free particles migrate with injected water to clog the rear part of the reservoir, significantly reducing the reach of the water flood. Therefore, for the water injection development of low-permeability oil reservoirs, attention should be paid to improving the quality of the injected water. Functional chemicals such as scale inhibitors and clay stabilizers should be added to the injected water in advance, and reservoir modification operations such as acidizing and fracturing should be carried out promptly. This minimizes the damage of these free particles to the deep reservoir and increases the sweep efficiency of water flooding.

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Paradigm for Determining the Optimal Ultradeep and Super‐thick Saline Aquifer for High‐TDS Mine Water Geological Storage

LI,

CHEN,

et al. 2024

Acta Geologica Sinica (Eng)

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Saline aquifers are the most popular waste and CO2 injection and storage reservoirs worldwide. This project proposes that several optimal injection positions should be investigated as hydraulic pressure‐focused positions, in order to relieve the high demands of pump performance. The comprehensive indices (Fi) representing the injectivity of different burial depths were obtained by using information entropy, based on the mercury injection experimental data of 13 rock samples. The results demonstrated that the burial depths of No. 4, No. 1 and No. 2 in the Liujiagou Formation were the most suitable positions for hydraulic focused injection, which means the upper 30 m thickness could be regarded as the hydraulic focused range in the saline aquifer with an average thickness of 400 m. In addition, some laboratory experiments and in situ tests were carried out for the purpose of certifying and analyzing results, including SEM, XRD, brittleness index and logging. The results suggested that the rock samples at the No. 4, No. 1 and No. 2 burial depth ranges have loose microstructure, weak cementation, as well as dual pores and fractures. The lithology is mainly quartz and feldspar, but the clay mineral content is high (10%–25%), which is positive for dissolution. The lithology is suitable for hydraulic fracturing to form extended cracks and micro‐fissures during high‐TDS (total dissolved solids) mine water injection, because of the high brittleness index. Finally, a theoretical and technical framework for high‐TDS mine water injection was established, based on operating pilot engineering. Some theoretical defects and drawbacks learned from the field practices were summarized and solutions proposed. The research in this study could provide guidance and a paradigm for the inexpensive treatment of high‐TDS mine water by injection and storage.

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Clay-induced permeability decline in sandstone reservoirs: Insights from a coupled NMR-SEM experimental approach

Cited by 5 publications

References 35 publications

The use of newly formed minerals to characterize geothermal reservoirs and their cap rock: examples from intracontinental extensional basins and volcanic islands in subduction context

The use of newly formed minerals to characterize geothermal reservoirs and their cap rock: examples from intracontinental extensional basins and volcanic islands in subduction context

The Reservoir Injury Rules of Water Injection to an Ultralow Permeability Reservoir: Experimental Research Based on Core-NMR and Microfluidic Technology

Paradigm for Determining the Optimal Ultradeep and Super‐thick Saline Aquifer for High‐TDS Mine Water Geological Storage

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