Abstract
The effect of pH of the permeating fluid on the release of clay particles naturally present in sandstones is studied. The fresh water flooding of sandstones previously containing sodium salt solutions results in the release of fine clay particles that plug the sandstone pores. The release of these fines can be prevented by adjusting the pH of the permeating solution. The process of particle release is simultaneously accompanied by the ion-exchange process on the surface of clay particles with the multivalent ions dissolved from the formation. In low-pH solutions the rate of fines release is slow and the ion-exchange process is completed before any appreciable release of fines occurs. Once the clay surfaces are fully covered by the multivalent ions, the particle release is completely eliminated. There is a critical pH below which no release of fines takes place. By measuring the electrophoretic mobilities of the interacting surfaces, the results are interpreted in terms of the double-layer theory of colloid stability.
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