Fundamentals of Shale Stabilisation: Water Transport Through Shales

摘要: One area where water-based muds need improved performance is in shale inhibition. However, before existing mud systems can be improved, the mechanisms by which water invades shales and how present-day inhibitive additives operate must fully understood. An experimental technique has been developed that uses radioactive tracers to monitor progress of selected dissolved ions through a core plug. By varying parameters, such as composition applied pressure drop, dominant transported have identified. Under conditions zero pressure, diffusion processes control ion movement shales. Concentration gradients are driving force for mass transfer ionic species The authors observed no evidence indicate osmosis cause water. Applied caused an increase transport rates. Above threshold travel at same rate irrespective concentration.