Multiphysics Investigation of Geochemical Alterations in Marcellus Shale Using Reactive Core-Floods


Gundogar A. S., Ross C. M., Jew A. D., Bargar J. R., Kovscek A. R.

ENERGY & FUELS, cilt.35, sa.13, ss.10733-10745, 2021 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 35 Sayı: 13
  • Basım Tarihi: 2021
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1021/acs.energyfuels.1c00588
  • Dergi Adı: ENERGY & FUELS
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, PASCAL, Applied Science & Technology Source, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Compendex, Computer & Applied Sciences, Environment Index, Pollution Abstracts, DIALNET
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.10733-10745
  • Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi Adresli: Hayır

Özet

The interaction of reactive fracture fluid with host shale and formation water plays an important role on fractured reservoir productivity. This study explores the prominent impacts of shale-fluid reactions on flow properties using representative core-flood experiments under confining stress. Alteration of shale is monitored using time-lapse X-ray computed tomography (CT), microCT (mu CT) of samples pre- and post-reaction, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The imaging approach is multiscale from nm's to cm's. The samples are clay-rich and partially fractured Marcellus outcrop and carbonate-rich MSEEL (Marcellus Shale Energy and Environmental Laboratory) downhole endmembers. Both samples have distinct microcracks for probing reactive transport in fractures communicating with matrices. A reduction in krypton-accessible CT porosity and liquid permeability was observed for both samples after fracture fluid exposure. Based on SEM-EDS surface analysis, an iron-bearing precipitate formed on and near fracture openings and in the shale matrix of the Marcellus outcrop indicating partial dissolution of pyrite and/or ferruginous dolomite followed by precipitation of iron (hydro)oxide. The compiled images reveal fracture filling with migrated and/or precipitated fine particles. Significant barite scale growth was detected on the reacted MSEEL surfaces together with halite and other (hydro)oxide precipitates resulting from geochemical reactions between the basin-specific injectants and shale minerals. The MSEEL sample experienced substantial calcite dissolution and a corresponding decrease in its bulk density and microcrack openings. Experimental results presented here indicate the significance of fracture fluid composition optimization based on intrinsic shale and resident brine chemistries.