The effects of clay minerals on imbibition in shale reservoirs: A review
Abstract view|46|times PDF download|6|times
Abstract
The imbibition process plays a crucial role in the development of shale reservoirs, particularly during the volume fracturing and water injection development phases. This process significantly influences the production capacity of shale and also serves as a essential parameter for assessing reservoir performance. Clay minerals contribute to the formation of numerous micro-pores and micro-fractures, exhibit strong plasticity and are prone to swelling. The unique structures and properties of clay minerals have a profound impact on shale imbibition. This review analyzes the effects of clay minerals on imbibition from different perspectives, finding that the effect is closely related to the total amount of clay minerals, as well as to specific mineral types and content. Clay minerals exhibit a dual impact on imbibition, which can either facilitate imbibition by promoting micro-fractures formation or hinder it by reducing pore throats and migrating to block flow paths due to swelling. While capillary action is usually considered the main mechanism for fluid displacement during the imbibition, the osmotic pressure formed by clay minerals can also serve as a driving force for imbibition, positively contributing to shale oil and gas recovery. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of clay minerals on the imbibition, providing a theoretical foundation and practical guidance for future research and efficient development of shale reservoirs.
Document Type: Invited review
Cited as: Wang, L., Wang, H., Xia, X., Zhao, F., Masoodi, R., Xia, Y. The effects of clay minerals on imbibition in shale reservoirs: A review. Capillarity, 2025, 14(1): 13-22. https://doi.org/10.46690/capi.2025.01.02
Keywords
Full Text:
PDFReferences
Al-Arfaj, M. K., Amanullah, M., Sultan, A. S., et al. Chemical and mechanical aspects of wellbore stability in shale formations: A literature review. Paper SPE 171682 Presented at Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference, Abu Dhabi, UAE, 10-13 November, 2014.
Bakandritsos, A., Steriotis, T., Petridis, D. High surface area montmorillonite-carbon composites and derived carbons. Chemistry of Materials, 2004, 16(8): 1551-1559.
Cai, J. Key issues and considerations of spontaneous imbibition in porous media. Chinese Journal of Computational Physics, 2021, 38(5): 505-512. (in Chinese)
Cai, J., Jiao, X., Wang, H., et al. Multiphase fluid-rock interactions and flow behaviors in shale nanopores: A comprehensive review. Earth-Science Reviews, 2024, 257: 104884.
Cai, J., Perfect, E., Cheng, C., et al. Generalized modeling of spontaneous imbibition based on Hagen-Poiseuille flow in tortuous capillaries with variably shaped apertures. Langmuir, 2014, 30(18): 5142-5151.
Cey, B. D., Barbour, S., Hendry, M. J. Osmotic flow through a Cretaceous clay in southern Saskatchewan, Canada. Canadian Geotechnical Journal, 2001, 38(5): 1025-1033.
Chai, G., Shi, Y., Du, S., et al. Sensitivity evaluation and influencing factor analysis of tight sandstone reservoirs: A case study of the Chang 8 Reservoir in the Yanchi Area of the Ordos Basin. Acta Scientiarum Naturalium Universitatis Pekinensis, 2020, 56(2): 253-261. (in Chinese)
Chakraborty, N., Karpyn, Z. T. Gas permeability evolution with soaking time in ultra tight shales. Paper SPE 178740 Presented at SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, Houston, USA, 28-30 September, 2015.
Cheng, C., Su, S., Jiang, Z., et al. Effect of reservoir composition and structure on spontaneous imbibition: A case study of Shahejie Formation shale in Zhanhua Sag, Bohai Bay Basin. Petroleum Science and Technology, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1080/10916466.2024.2376653. (in Press)
Cheng, K., Heidari, Z. A new method for quantifying cation exchange capacity in clay minerals. Paper SPWLA 2017 Presented at SPWLA 58th Annual Logging Symposium, Oklahoma, USA, 17-21 June, 2017.
Clarkson, C., Haghshenas, B., Ghanizadeh, A., et al. Nanopores to megafractures: Current challenges and methods for shale gas reservoir and hydraulic fracture characterization. Journal of Natural Gas Science and Engineering, 2016, 31: 612-657.
Dehghanpour, H., Lan, Q., Saeed, Y., et al. Spontaneous imbibition of brine and oil in gas shales: Effect of water adsorption and resulting microfractures. Energy & Fuels, 2013, 27(6): 3039-3049.
Deng, L., King, M. Theoretical investigation of the transition from spontaneous to forced imbibition. SPE Journal, 2019, 24(1): 215-229.
Diao, Z., Li, S., Liu, W., et al. Numerical study of the effect of tortuosity and mixed wettability on spontaneous imbibition in heterogeneous porous media. Capillarity, 2021, 4(3): 50-62.
Ding, Y., Liu, X., Liang, L., et al. Experimental and model analysis on shale spontaneous imbibition and its influence factors. Journal of Natural Gas Science and Engineering, 2022, 99: 104462.
Fakcharoenphol, P., Kurtoglu, B., Kazemi, H., et al. The effect of osmotic pressure on improve oil recovery from fractured shale formations. Paper SPE 168998 Presented at Unconventional Resources Conference/Gas Technology Symposium, The Woodlands, USA, 1-3 April, 2014.
Fritz, S. J. Ideality of clay membranes in osmotic processes: A review. Clays and Clay Minerals, 1986, 34(2): 214-223.
Ge, H., Yang, L., Shen, Y., et al. Experimental investigation of shale imbibition capacity and the factors influencing loss of hydraulic fracturing fluids. Petroleum Science, 2015, 12: 636-650.
Ghanbari, E., Dehghanpour, H. Impact of rock fabric on water imbibition and salt diffusion in gas shales. International Journal of Coal Geology, 2015, 138: 55-67.
Graham, J., Yuen, K., Goh, T., et al. Hydraulic conductivity and pore fluid chemistry in artificially weathered plastic clay. Engineering Geology, 2001, 60(1-4): 69-81.
Guo, J., Di, K., Zhang, L., et al. Insights into in-situ imbibition behavior of fracturing fluid in propped shale fractures based on nuclear magnetic resonance: A case study from Longmaxi Formation shale, Sichuan Basin, China. Petroleum Science, 2024, 21(1): 410-429.
Guo, Q., Ji, L., Rajabov, V., et al. Shale gas drilling experience and lessons learned from Eagle Ford. Paper SPE 155542 Presented at SPE Unconventional Resources Confer ence/Gas Technology Symposium, Pittsburgh, USA, 5-7 June, 2012.
Gupta, A., Xu, M., Dehghanpour, H., et al. Experimental investigation for microscale stimulation of shales by water imbibition during the shut-in periods. Paper SPE 185058 Presented at SPE Canada Unconventional Resources Conference, Calgary, Canada, 15-16 February, 2017.
Hadley, G., Handy, L. A theoretical and experimental study of the steady state capillary end effect. Paper SPE 707 Presented at SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, Los Angeles, USA, 14-17 October, 1956.
Handy, L. L. Determination of effective capillary pressures for porous media from imbibition data. Transactions of the AIME, 1960, 219(1): 75-80.
Hu, Y., Zhao, C., Zhao, J., et al. Mechanisms of fracturing fluid spontaneous imbibition behavior in shale reservoir: A review. Journal of Natural Gas Science and Engineer ing, 2020, 82: 103498.
Huang, X., Han, D., Lin, W., et al. Study on the influencing factors of imbibition in tight reservoirs based on molecular dynamics simulation. Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology, 2024, 14(11): 3079-3090.
Karpinski, B., Szkodo, M. Clay minerals-mineralogy and phenomenon of clay swelling in oil & gas industry. Advances in Materials Science, 2015, 15(1): 37-55.
Laird, D. A. Influence of layer charge on swelling of smectites. Applied Clay Science, 2006, 34(1-4): 74-87.
Lal, M. Shale stability: Drilling fluid interaction and shale strength. Paper SPE 54356 Presented at SPE Asia Pacific Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition, Jakarta, Indonesia, 20-22 April, 1999.
Li, C., Singh, H., Cai, J. Spontaneous imbibition in shale: A review of recent advances. Capillarity, 2019, 2(2): 17-32.
Liao, L., Ou, B., Chen, J., et al. Plugging mechanism and plugging removal technology for unconsolidated sandstone gas reservoirs in Sebei gas field. Xinjiang Petroleum Geology, 2023, 44(1): 100-104. (in Chinese)
Lin, D., Wang, J., Yuan, B., et al. Review on gas flow and recovery in unconventional porous rocks. Advances in Geo-Energy Research, 2017, 1(1): 39-53.
Liu, D., Wang, Z., Zhang, X., et al. Experimental investigation on the mechanical and acoustic emission characteristics of shale softened by water absorption. Journal of Natural Gas Science and Engineering, 2018, 50: 301-308.
Lu, L., Li, J., Zhang, X., et al. Effects of clay minerals and external pressures on imbibition in shales. Energies, 2021, 14(22): 7528.
Makhanov, K., Dehghanpour, H., Kuru, E. An experimental study of spontaneous imbibition in Horn River shales. Paper SPE 162650 Presented at SPE Canada Uncon ventional Resources Conference, Calgary, Canada, 30 October-1 November, 2012.
Mason, G., Morrow, N. R. Developments in spontaneous imbibition and possibilities for future work. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 2013, 110: 268-293.
Meng, M., Ge, H., Shen, Y., et al. The effect of clay swelling induced cracks on imbibition behavior of marine shale reservoirs. Journal of Natural Gas Science and Engineering, 2020, 83: 103525.
Morrow, N. R., Mason, G. Recovery of oil by spontaneous imbibition. Current Opinion in Colloid & Interface Science, 2001, 6(4): 321-337.
Morsy, S., Sheng, J. Imbibition characteristics of the Barnett shale formation. Paper SPE 168984 Presented at SPE Unconventional Resources Conference/Gas Technology Symposium, The Woodlands, USA, 1-3 April, 2014.
Mustafa, A., A. Mahmoud, M., Abdulraheem, A. A review of pore structure characterization of unconventional tight reservoirs. Paper SPE 197825 Presented at Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference, Abu Dhabi, UAE, 11-14 November 2019.
Nye, P. H. The measurement and mechanism of ion diffusion in soil: I. The relation between self-diffusion and bulk diffusion. Journal of Soil Science, 1966, 17(1): 16-23.
Rao, S. M., Thyagaraj, T., Raghuveer Rao, P. J. G. Crystalline and osmotic swelling of an expansive clay inundated with sodium chloride solutions. Geotechnical and Geological Engineering, 2013, 31: 1399-1404.
Rose, W. Modeling forced versus spontaneous capillary imbibition processes commonly occurring in porous sediments. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 2001, 30(3-4): 155-166.
Rousseau-Gueutin, P., Gonçalvès, J., Cruchaudet, M., et al. Hydraulic and chemical pulse tests in a shut-in cham ber imbedded in an argillaceous formation: Numerical and experimental approaches. Water Resources Research, 2010, 46(8): W08516.
Sharifigaliuk, H., Mahmood, S. M., Rezaee, R., et al. Conven tional methods for wettability determination of shales: A comprehensive review of challenges, lessons learned, and way forward. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 2021, 133: 105288.
Shen, Y., Ge, H., Li, C., et al. Water imbibition of shale and its potential influence on shale gas recovery-a comparative study of marine and continental shale formations. Journal of Natural Gas Science and Engineering, 2016, 35: 1121 1128.
Sun, L., Tuo, J., Zhang, M., et al. Formation and development of the pore structure in Chang 7 member oil-shale from Ordos Basin during organic matter evolution induced by hydrous pyrolysis. Fuel, 2015a, 158: 549-557.
Sun, Y., Bai, B., Wei, M. Microfracture and surfactant impact on linear cocurrent brine imbibition in gas-saturated shale. Energy & Fuels, 2015b, 29(3): 1438-1446.
Uddin, F. Clays, nanoclays, and montmorillonite minerals. Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A, 2008, 39(12): 2804-2814.
Van Olphen, H. An introduction to clay colloid chemistry. Soil Science, 1964, 97(4): 290.
Wang, C., Gao, H., Fei, E., et al. Imbibition of fracturing fluid and microscopic oil production characteristics in Chang 7 shale reservoir in Ordos Basin. Journal of China University of Petroleum (Edition of Natural Science), 2023, 47(6): 95-103. (in Chinese)
Wang, C., Gao, H., Gao, Y., et al. Influence of pressure on spontaneous imbibition in tight sandstone reservoirs. Energy & Fuels, 2020, 34(8): 9275-9282.
Wang, G., Ran, L., Xu, J., et al. Technical development of characterization methods provides insights into clay mineral-water interactions: A comprehensive review. Ap plied Clay Science, 2021, 206: 106088.
Wang, Q., Lyu, C., Cole, D. R. Effects of hydration on fractures and shale permeability under different confining pressures: An experimental study. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 2019, 176: 745-753.
White, D. E. Saline waters of sedimentary rocks. AAPG Bulletin, 1965: 342-366.
Wilson, M., Wilson, L., Patey, I. The influence of individual clay minerals on formation damage of reservoir sand stones: A critical review with some new insights. Clay Minerals, 2014, 49(2): 147-164.
Xia, D., Yang, Z., Gao, T., et al. Characteristics of micro- and nano-pores in shale oil reservoirs. Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production, 2021, 11: 157-169.
Xie, K., Wu, Z., Liu, C., et al. A review of mechanisms and ML-based research on factors affecting spontaneous imbibition of surfactant. Geoenergy Science and Engineering, 2024, 240: 213071.
Xu, F. Spontaneous imbibition characteristics of fracturing fluid in shale gas reservoir considering chemical osmotic pressure. Lithologic Reservoirs, 2021, 33(3): 145-152. (in Chinese)
Xu, M., Gupta, A., Dehghanpour, H. How significant are strain and stress induced by water imbibition in dry gas shales? Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 2019, 176: 428-443.
Xu, R., Guo, T., Qu, Z. Numerical simulation of fractured imbibition in a shale oil reservoir based on the discrete fracture model. Chinese Journal of Engineering, 2022, 44(3): 451-463. (in Chinese)
Xu, R., Guo, T., Xue, X., et al. Numerical simulation of fracturing and imbibition in shale oil horizontal wells. Petroleum Science, 2023, 20(5): 2981-3001.
Xue, H., Ding, G., Dong, Z., et al. Study on the wettability and spontaneous imbibition characteristics of lacustrine shale. Geofluids, 2022, 2022: 4023435.
Yan, Q., Lemanski, C., Karpyn, Z. T., et al. Experimental investigation of shale gas production impairment due to fracturing fluid migration during shut-in time. Journal of Natural Gas Science and Engineering, 2015, 24: 99-105.
Yang, J., Yang, B., Wang, L., et al. Invasion depths of fracturing fluid imbibition displacement in matrix pores of Da’an Zhai shale oil reservoirs in central Sichuan Basin. Petroleum Geology and Recovery Efficiency, 2023a, 30(5): 84-91. (in Chinese)
Yang, L., Ge, H., Shi, X., et al. Experimental and numerical study on the relationship between water imbibition and salt ion diffusion in fractured shale reservoirs. Journal of Natural Gas Science and Engineering, 2017, 38: 283-297.
Yang, L., Wang, H., Xu, H., et al. Experimental study on characteristics of water imbibition and ion diffusion in shale reservoirs. Geoenergy Science and Engineering, 2023b, 229: 212167.
Yang, L., Wang, S., Tao, Z., et al. The characteristics of oil migration due to water imbibition in tight oil reservoirs. Energies, 2019a, 12(21): 4199.
Yang, R., Hu, Q., Yi, J., et al. The effects of mineral composi tion, TOC content and pore structure on spontaneous im bibition in Lower Jurassic Dongyuemiao shale reservoirs. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 2019b, 109: 268-278.
Zeng, J., Liu, R., Hu, W., et al. Study on shale imbibition characteristics experiment from Longmaxi Formation of Southeastern Chongqing in Sichuan Basin. Petroleum Science and Technology, 2022, 40(10): 1197-1211.
Zhang, D., Zhou, C., Lin, C., et al. Synthesis of clay minerals. Applied Clay Science, 2010, 50(1): 1-11.
Zhang, S., Sheng, J. J., Shen, Z. Effect of hydration on fractures and permeabilities in Mancos, Eagleford, Barnette and Marcellus shale cores under compressive stress con ditions. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 2017, 156: 917-926.
Zhang, X., Liu, Y., Liu, Y., et al. Influencing factors and application of spontaneous imbibition of fracturing fluids in tight sandstone gas reservoir. ACS Omega, 2022, 7(43): 38912-38922.
Zhang, Y., Ge, H., Shen, Y., et al. Evaluating the potential for oil recovery by imbibition and time-delay effect in tight reservoirs during shut-in. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 2020, 184: 106557.
Zhao, Z., He, Y., Guo, J., et al. Experimental study on the forcible imbibition law of water in shale gas reservoirs. Processes, 2023, 11(4): 1057.
Zhou, R., Zhang, D., Cheng, H., et al. Molecular dynamics study on hydration characteristics of expansive clay minerals by temperature and inorganic salts. Journal of Molecular Liquids, 2024, 409: 125508.
Zhou, Y., Guan, W., Zhao, C., et al. Spontaneous imbibition behavior in porous media with various hydraulic fracture propagations: A pore-scale perspective. Advances in Geo-Energy Research, 2023, 9(3): 185-197.
Zhou, Z., Abass, H., Li, X., et al. Mechanisms of imbibition during hydraulic fracturing in shale formations. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 2016, 141: 125-132.
Zhu, D., Li, B., Li, H., et al. Effects of low-salinity water on the interface characteristics and imbibition process. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 2022, 208: 109564.
Zou, C., Yang, Z., Cui, J., et al. Formation mechanism, geological characteristics and development strategy of nonmarine shale oil in China. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2013, 40(1): 14-26.
Refbacks
- There are currently no refbacks.
Copyright (c) 2025 The Author(s)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.