ASSEMBLY OF A METHODOLOGY FOR DETERMINATION OF MEMBRANE EFFICIENCY IN PRESERVED SHALES

Abstract

Determination of Membrane Efficiency (ME) is a very useful tool in the study of the chemical component of wellbore stability since it is a variable input in chemical-elastic models (Lomba, Chenevert & Sharma, 2000). This article presents a novel methodology for the determination of ME using the Electrochemical Potential Test (EPT) in shale rocks. This method is based on the development of correlations with Ionic Selectivity (IS) values in presence of NaCl, KCl and CaCl2 at diverse solution concentrations. The correlation, not reported previously in the literature, depends on the type of salt used. The EPT is a generic test easily applied to any rock type from any well or basin. It is simpler and quicker than other tests used for the ME determination, like the Pressure Transmission Test (PTT). Correlations between ME and IS are applicable to any type of argillaceous rock. Samples of unperturbed plugs with diverse properties belonging to different Colombian formations were used. The results obtained with the application of the proposed methodology indicate that it is possible to obtain IS and ME values through EPT in any type of argillaceous rock by applying the developed correlations.