Experimental investigation of the effects of different types of fracturing fluids on the pore structure characteristics of Shale Reservoir Rocks

Abstract

The chemical and physical capabilities of shale can be altered by the interactions between fracturing fluid and shale formation, affecting the long-term reservoir productivity. To obtain information regarding how fracturing fluids with different components impact the pore structure, porosity and mineral compositions of shale reservoir rocks over time, two different types of commercial fracturing fluids (slick water and crosslinked gel) were used to react with the shales from Longmaxi Formation of Lower Silurian in the Sichuan Basin of South China. Experiments were conducted with various time intervals (1, 4 and 10 days) in a reactor at 50 MPa and 100°C, and then analytical methods including X-ray diffraction, low pressure nitrogen adsorption, field emission scanning electron microscopy and porosity measurement were used to examine the changes of mineralogical compositions, pore structure and porosity. The results demonstrated that the mineral compositions of shale samples were significantly changed after treatment with two different fracturing fluids for 4 days. The analysis of field emission scanning electron microscopy revealed that the carbonate minerals were dissolved and developed many dissolution pores after slick water treatment, while the crosslinked gel mainly caused the precipitation of carbonate minerals. After exposure to different fracturing fluids, the total pore volume and specific surface area decreased over time. Moreover, the fractal dimensions (D 1 and D 2 ) of shale showed an apparent decrease trend after treatment with two different fracturing fluids, indicating that the pore surface and structure become smooth and regular. The porosity of shale significantly decreased by 15.9% and 17.8%, respectively, after 10 days of slick water and crosslinked gel treatment. These results indicated that the injection of the two different types of fracturing fluids may negatively impact the shale gas production through reducing the nanopore structure and porosity of shale reservoir rocks.