Experimental Investigation on the Evolution of Physicochemical Properties and Dissolution Mechanism of High-Siliceous Shale with Acid Treatment

Abstract

Summary The investigation of the influence of acidification conditions on the modification patterns of shale and the mechanisms of shale acidification processes is an indispensable aspect of further development within the field of shale acidizing theory. Prior research on shale acidizing has predominantly used hydrochloric acid (HCl) and carbonate-rich shale, which has restricted the scope of application for shale acidizing techniques and has not thoroughly examined the reaction kinetics of acid-rock interactions under reservoir conditions. This study focuses on siliceous shale, utilizing hydrogen fluoride (HF) in rotating disk experiments to assess the kinetic parameters of acid-rock reactions under varying acidification conditions, including duration, concentration, temperature, bedding direction, and acid flow velocity. Key influencing factors such as time, temperature, concentration, and experimental methods were selected for a comprehensive analysis, incorporating mineral composition [X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS)], microstructure (SEM), pore medium characteristics [mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) and low-temperature nitrogen adsorption (LNA)], surface morphology (3D laser scanning), and nanoindentation testing (NIT). The findings confirm the positive role of acid treatment in enhancing the permeability of shale oil and gas and in softening the reservoir rock, while also indicating potential negative impacts on hydrocarbon extraction, such as the formation of precipitated byproducts and the exfoliation of rock layers. This paper investigates the patterns of influence of HF acidizing parameters on siliceous shale and elucidates the mechanisms of action in shale acidification transformations, thereby providing a theoretical foundation for the modification of shale oil and gas reservoirs.