Effect of amygdala on the pore-crack structure and mechanical properties of Permian tuff and breccia during hydration

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The Permian volcanic rocks in the Sichuan Basin are rich in oil and gas resources. However, during volcanic rock exploitation, the working fluid fully contacts with the volcanic rocks, and hydration reaction will occur, which destroys the pore structure of the rock, makes the rock layer loose and fragile, increases the risk of wellbore collapse, and causes the loss of volcanic rock production. However, the reasons for the change of pore structure of volcanic rocks after hydration and the understanding of the hydration mechanism of volcanic rocks are not clear. Therefore, this paper uses microscopic and mechanical experimental testing methods combined with digital core technology to study the changes of pore-crack structure, amygdale structure and mechanical characteristics of Permian tuff and breccia in Sichuan Basin before and after hydration. The research results show that during the hydration process of volcanic rocks, pores, cracks, and amygdales are transformed into each other. The hydration process of the volcanic rocks is characterized by the disappearance of isolated pores, the generation of small cracks, and the generation and transformation of new pores into amygdales. Amygdales also have an important impact on the mechanical properties and hydration of volcanic rocks. When the content of amygdales in volcanic rocks is high, the rocks are more prone to breakage. In addition, amygdales promote the hydration reaction of volcanic rocks, and the size and number of amygdales determine the strength of volcanic rock hydration ability. When the content of amygdales in the rock is higher, the rock is more prone to hydration reactions. Therefore, in the process of gas reservoir development, understanding the distribution and characteristics of amygdale is helpful to optimize the composition of the working fluid and enhance drilling technology. It aims to maximize the productivity gas wells.