The Effect of Authigenic Clays on Fault Zone Permeability

Abstract

Faults exert a major control over the movement and containment of fluids. The role of smeared, disaggregated or injected clay grains along the surfaces of faults and their role in reducing permeability and creating hydraulic barriers or seals has been extensively researched (

flow assurance problems in the geo-energy industry: microbial influenced corrosion, and precipitation of clays in reservoir acid stimulation

“…Clay precipitates hinder the production of economic volumes of fluid or gas from the reservoir (Portier et al, 2007). Generally, precipitation of clay minerals also denoted as formation damage, often are envisioned to form the majority of fluid-or gas flow barriers in the reservoir (Farrell et al, 2021). Clay minerals precipitate within pore spaces and channels between pores and consequently decrease pore connectivity and permeability (Chagneau et al, 2015;Farrell et al, 2021).…”

“…Generally, precipitation of clay minerals also denoted as formation damage, often are envisioned to form the majority of fluid-or gas flow barriers in the reservoir (Farrell et al, 2021). Clay minerals precipitate within pore spaces and channels between pores and consequently decrease pore connectivity and permeability (Chagneau et al, 2015;Farrell et al, 2021). Prior knowledge of understanding the interaction between clays and the stimulating agent is therefore required.…”