Experimental study of carbonate samples dissolution using X-ray microcomputer-based tomography

Abstract

Background: The study of the interaction of hydrochloric acid with carbonate materialsis important in the oil and gas industry. Carbonate rocks are common rock types, and half of all petroleum reserves worldwide are found in carbonate deposits. Understanding the mechanisms and characteristics of dissolution of carbonate rocks is of great practical importance in the production of hydrocarbons and the injection of carbon dioxide into formations.
 Aim: The purpose of this article is to study the dissolution processes of carbonate samples in laboratory conditions using X-ray microcomputer-based tomography.
 Materials and methods: The study used 5 cylindrical carbonate samples, which were tested during the injection of hydrochloric acid solutions. Additional experimental and digital data from 8 samples are also used. The three-dimensional pore space of the samples was obtained using specialized software based on tomographic images.
 Results: The results obtained demonstrate the significance of the use of X-ray computed tomography for a deeper understanding of dissolution processes in geological and engineering studies. The study highlighted the complexity of the rock dissolution process, which depends on many factors. The created three-dimensional models of the samples allowed us to visualize wormholes, including branched and dominant wormholes. 3D imaging provided valuable information about changes in the pore structure of the samples before and after acid exposure.
 Conclusion: The results of this study highlight the importance of considering physical and structural properties when analyzing dissolution processes in carbonate samples. These data can have practical applications in the oil and gas industry, contributing to a more accurate understanding and optimization of the processes of interaction of acid solutions with carbonate samples.