Nanoscale Interfacial Smoothing and Dissolution during Unconventional Reservoir Stimulation Implications for Hydrocarbon Mobilization and Transport

Herz-Thyhsen, Ryan; Miller, Quin RS; Rother, Gernot; Kaszuba, John; Ashley, Thomas; Littrell, Kenneth C.

doi:10.1021/acsami.0c22524

Nanoscale Interfacial Smoothing and Dissolution during Unconventional Reservoir Stimulation Implications for Hydrocarbon Mobilization and Transport

Journal Article · 07 April 2021 · ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.0c22524· OSTI ID:1797426

Herz-Thyhsen, Ryan ^[1]; ^[2]; Rother, Gernot ^[3]; Kaszuba, John ^[1]; Ashley, Thomas ^[1]; Littrell, Kenneth C. ^[3]

University of Wyoming
BATTELLE (PACIFIC NW LAB)
Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Hydraulic fracturing of low-permeability rocks significantly enhances hydrocarbon production from unconventional reservoirs. However, fluid transport through low-permeability rocks, and the influence of geochemical transformations on pore networks, are poorly constrained. Mineral reactivity during interactions with injected water may alter the physical nature of the rock, which may affect hydrocarbon mobility. To assess alteration to the rock, we previously conducted a hydrothermal experiment that reacted cubed rock samples (1 cm3) with synthetic hydraulic fracturing fluid to simulate physicochemical reactivity during hydraulic fracturing. We analyzed unreacted and reacted rocks by small-angle neutron scattering and high-pressure mercury intrusion to determine how nanoscale (~1-1400 nm) pore networks of unconventional reservoir rocks are influenced by reaction with hydraulic fracturing injectates. We show that fluid-rock interactions have a two-fold influence on hydrocarbon recovery, promoting both hydrocarbon mobilization and transport. Pore-matrix interfaces smooth via removal of clay mineral surface asperities, reducing available surface area for hydrocarbon adsorption by ca. 12-75%. Additionally, hydraulic fracturing fluid-induced dissolution creates new pores with diameters ranging in size from 800-1400 nm, increasing the permeability of the rocks by a factor of 5-10. These two consequences of mineral dissolution act in concert to release hydrocarbons from the host rock and facilitate transport through the rock during unconventional reservoir production.

Research Organization:: Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE

DOE Contract Number:: AC05-76RL01830

OSTI ID:: 1797426

Report Number(s):: PNNL-SA-158803

Journal Information:: ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, Vol. 13, Issue 13

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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