Mineralogy Of Rocks Research Articles

The Influence Of Rock Mineralogy On Groundwater In The Kampungbaru Formation,Coal Mining Area, Anggana And Surrounding Area, District. Kutai Kartanegara

Coal mining activities using the open pit mining system method will have impacts, both positive and negative impacts, positive impacts will cause changes in improving socio-economic life, while negative impacts will affect changes in hydrogeological conditions and environmental changes such as increasing soil/rock acidity so that it will cause water contaminated. This condition has an impact on decreasing the quality and quantity of groundwater as a source of clean water. The purpose of this study was to determine the hydrogeological conditions around the study site, and the influence of rock mineralogy as a potential source of groundwater contamination, especially in the Kampungbaru Formation. The methods used to obtain data such as; pumping test, rock mineralogy analysis (knowing the characteristics) by conducting studies; petrography, microscopic analysis of ore, XRD analysis, XRF analysis and analysis of the potential of acid mine water, while knowing the chemical characterization of water by analyzing the concentration of anion cations, and classifying water classes. Knowing the characterization of rock mineralogy and water chemistry, the level/value of potential groundwater contamination in the study area will be known. The hope of this research is to know and understand the characteristics of mineralogy of rocks and groundwater chemistry, as well as hydrogeological conditions in Kampungbaru Formation, so that groundwater contamination can be known. Specific benefits of the research, which is to explore more detail hydrogeology of the mine and surrounding areas, to understand the characteristics of rock mineralogy and the characteristics of groundwater chemistry, and to know the source of groundwater contamination of the research area. Practical benefits can provide information to the public and government about the potential of good quality groundwater around the research area and know the groundwater location of good quality. The results of hydrogeological studies, study of mineralogy characterization and groundwater chemistry will be obtained conclusion such as: 1) Characteristics of aquifer in Kampungbaru Formation included in the category of productive aquifers. 2) Mineralogy of rocks affect the chemical concentration .. 3) Kampungbaru Formation has the content of metal mineral elements and water chemical concentrations that contain many sulphide compounds as acid mine formers. Stratigraphy of the study area is included in the Kampungbaru Formation and is part of the Kutai Basin (Kutai Basin). Lithology The Kampungbaru Formation consists of a rocky outcrop with sandstone with coal insertions and sandstone units.
 
 Keywords: Hydrogeology, characteristics of mineralogy and groundwater chemistry, contamination

The System KCl–CaCO3–MgCO3 at 3 GPa

Inclusions in mantle minerals and xenoliths from kimberlites worldwide derived from depths exceeding 100 km vary in composition from alkali-rich saline to carbonatitic. Despite the wide distribution of these melts and their geochemical importance as metasomatic agents that altered the mineralogy and geochemistry of mantle rocks, the P-T range of stability of these melts remains largely undefined. Here we report new experimental data on phase relations in the system KCl–CaCO3–MgCO3 at 3 GPa obtained using a multianvil press. We found that the KCl–CaCO3 and KCl–MgCO3 binaries have the eutectic type of T-X diagrams. The KCl-calcite eutectic is situated at K2# 56 and 1000 °C, while the KCl-magnesite eutectic is located at K2# 79 and 1100 °C, where K2# = 2KCl/(2KCl + CaCO3 + MgCO3) × 100 mol%. Just below solidus, the KCl–CaCO3–MgCO3 system is divided into two partial ternaries: KCl + magnesite + dolomite and KCl + calcite–dolomite solid solutions. Both ternaries start to melt near 1000 °C. The minimum on the liquidus/solidus surface corresponds to the KCl + Ca0.73Mg0.27CO3 dolomite eutectic situated at K2#/Ca# 39/73, where Ca# = 100∙Ca/(Ca + Mg) × 100 mol%. At bulk Ca# ≤ 68, the melting is controlled by a ternary peritectic: KCl + dolomite = magnesite + liquid with K2#/Ca# 40/68. Based on our present and previous data, the KCl + dolomite melting reaction, expected to control solidus of KCl-bearing carbonated eclogite, passes through 1000 °C at 3 GPa and 1200 °C at 6 GPa and crossovers a 43-mW/m2 geotherm at a depth of 120 km and 37-mW/m2 geotherm at a depth of 190 km.

The role of reservoir fluids and reservoir rock mineralogy on in-situ combustion kinetics

In-situ combustion (ISC) is a complex process with great potential. This study aims to simplify some of the complications associated with the reaction kinetics of ISC and investigate the impact of reservoir rock composition and crude oil fractions on the reaction kinetics of ISC.Sixty-six reaction kinetics experiments were conducted using Thermogravimetric Analysis/Differential Scanning Calorimetry (TGA/DSC) on two heavy crude oil samples and two types of porous media (clays and carbonates). In these experiments, a 5 °C/min heating rate was used to simulate the low-temperature-oxidation (LTO) region, and a 20 °C/min heating rate was used for the high-temperature-oxidation (HTO) region. The role of crude oil composition on the reaction kinetics of combustion was also investigated through saturates, aromatics, resins, and asphaltenes (SARA) fractionation. The two crude oils were first separated into their SARA fractions, and then the reaction kinetics of individual fractions and their two and three component pseudo-blends were studied.‘To understand the contribution of aquathermolysis reactions, the crude oils and their SARA fractions were mixed with water, and the reaction kinetics tests were repeated in the presence of water. The chemical reactions occurring in the presence and absence of water in crude oil and their fractions were discussed using control experiments conducted on known simple hydrocarbons: n-decane (C10H22), n-decanal (C10H20O), n-decanol (C10H22O), and decanone (C10H20O). Additionally, the reactivity of the mineralogy of the porous media was examined, and both clay and carbonates were tested. All experiments were analytically modeled to obtain reaction kinetics parameters in terms of activation energy (Ea) and heat generation (ΔH).The results show that while emulsified water decreases the effectiveness of the combustion process, the presence of initial water increases it. This is due to the increase in heat generation and decrease in activation energy, which is mainly caused by the interaction between water and aromatics fractions (aquathermolysis reaction) at elevated temperatures. The amount of clay in the reservoir is critical for the success of the ISC process. If the reservoir has a higher clay content than a certain threshold, the combustion performance will be compromised. Resins fractions have a higher tendency to interact with carbonates during ISC in the HTO region.Overall, this study provides simplified analytical approaches based on experimental results to better understand the ISC chemical reaction kinetics for different types of crude oil and reservoir rocks.

Sand Consolidation Using Enforced Calcium and Magnesium Fluoride Precipitation

Abstract Sand production is a common problem that interrupts hydrocarbon production from unconsolidated formations. Different chemical and mechanical methods are used to prevent solid production either by consolidating the sand particles or installing downhole screens. This study presents a novel approach for sand consolidation using enforced calcium and magnesium precipitation. The used chemicals are ammonium hydrogen fluoride, calcium oxide, and magnesium oxide solutions. In this work, different measurements were carried out to assess the performance of the new consolidation method. Also, the impact of soaking the consolidated sand in freshwater, toluene, and HCl was examined. The rock mineralogy was determined before and after each soaking treatment using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technique was used to evaluate the pore system at different stages. In addition, scanning electron microscope (SEM) technique was used to examine the morphology and chemistry changes after each chemical treatment. Finally, the rock strength was measured before and after the treatment using a scratch test. Results indicate that the proposed chemical method can significantly improve the sand consolidation and increase the rock strength to 34 MPa (4931 psi). Soaking the consolidated sand sample in water and toluene showed minor alterations in the rock properties. However, using HCl lead to increasing rock permeability due to mineral dissolution. The strength measurements showed that the consolidated sand can withstand the water and toluene treatment, and the rock strength was reduced by less than 10%. Overall, a new chemical treatment is presented to improve the sand consolidated utilizing enforced calcium and magnesium precipitation. The consolidated sand sample showed very reasonable rock strength which can prevent sand migration.

Mineralogy and geochemistry of pattern formation in zebra rock from the East Kimberley, Australia

Rhythmic patterns are widespread in geological materials. A particularly striking, macroscale example is zebra rock from the East Kimberley region of northwestern Australia. The rock is famous for its distinctive, rhythmically ordered, iron-oxide pattern, which transforms an Ediacaran-aged siltstone into an attractive semi-precious gemstone. Several different formation mechanisms of this pattern have been proposed in previous studies, with the two most prominent being redoximorphic banding in acid-sulfate soils and Liesegang banding in an acidic hydrothermal system. Using a combination of mineralogy, geochemistry and geological context, this study attempts to confirm both the occurrence and relative timing of acid-sulfate fluid rock interactions in zebra rock and seeks to determine whether pedogenic processes or hydrothermal alteration can better explain the origin of these patterns. We present the first evidence that the iron-oxide banding developed simultaneously with a period of aluminosilicate dissolution, clay precipitation, and fluid flow, consistent with the infiltration of an acidic fluid. This conclusion was evidenced through the hexagonal-platelet morphology of the hematite pigment, kaolinite-hematite textural relationships, and a paleoflow direction preserved in the asymmetric intensity of the hematite concentration. However, while the mineralogy of zebra rock strongly suggests interactions with acid-sulfates, the origin and temperature of the fluid could not be conclusively determined. Supporting a hydrothermal origin, a thorough analysis of zebra rock mineralogy revealed a mineral assemblage consistent with advanced argillic hydrothermal alteration, wherein pyrophyillite, kaolinite, and dickite indicate minimum palaeotemperatures upwards of 120 °C and the presence of alunite and a svanbergite-woodhouseite solid solution suggests oxidising, acidic (pH <5) conditions. The low Rb/Sr ratio and relative immobility of rare earth elements in most zebra rock deposits are also consistent with an acidic hydrothermal origin. Further support was also observed in the mineralogical trends between examined outcrops, grading from alunite-type to kaolinite/dickite-type facies in a south-west direction. But despite this evidence, the acid-sulfate soil hypothesis could not be refuted and was itself supported by the large number of pyrite dissolution voids both underlying and within the patterned layer. Furthermore, the consistent compaction of reduction spheroids, dissolution voids, and pseudomorphic inclusions within the light banding of zebra rock are in agreement with near-surface supergene weathering, ruling out hypogene hydrothermal alteration. A mechanism of pattern formation is proposed whereby zebra rock banding is formed by the Liesegang phenomenon, driven by the oxidation of Fe2+ ions during the infiltration of an Fe2+-rich, acid-sulfate fluid into oxidising host sediments.

Petrography and Geochemical Relationships of the Ultramafic Rocks in Galalah area within Erbil Governorate, NE Iraq

The current research to study the petrography, mineralogy and geochemical relationships of the ultramafic rocks in the Galalah area within Erbil Governorate, at the Unstable Shelf in the Imbricate Zone, to determine the origin of the ultramafic rocks. Dunite and Harzburgite are the most abundant rock bodies in the study area, and they represent most of the outer surface exposure of the ultramafic rock aggregates. The dunite rocks are characterized by pale brown color on the altered surface that is broken into olive green and dark green lithic. Dunite represents a homogenous lithologic feature that mainly consists predominately of olivine with accessory spinel and traces of orthopyroxene. While the harzburgite appears as a massive rock body consisting of olivine, orthopyroxene, and clinopyroxene. These rocks are mainly characterized by alteration to serpentinite, with accessory chromian spinel, secondary magnetite, chlorite, and talc. The studied ultramafic rocks are predominately rich in ferromagnesian minerals of less silica content, and other major elements affected by serpentinization are causing the deviation of elements. They have a strong decrease in sodium and calcium oxides relative to MgO and verified the silica and alumina with MgO and a slight increase in iron oxide. The low values of TiO2 in dunite and harzburgite are characteristic property of the Alpine type ophiolites during the primary process of the mantle in its upper part, before the tectonic emplacement of the ultramafic rocks, and also due to partial melting degree for the asthenospheric mantle. The MREE depletion relative to HREE and LREE may be attributed to the hornblende absence and the presence of olivine and pyroxenes minerals and/or to the source rock features. The U-shaped patterns of REE and their ratios are typical properties of ophiolitic ultramafic rocks, which are compatible with the supra-subduction zone. During the partial melting, the negative anomalies of Nb in ultramafic rocks with sequestration of the Nb concentration by sphene and ilmenite in various types of the source rocks have also been attributed to the crust contamination. These are also characterized by island arc conditions, and its depletion in the studied rocks may indicate the fore-arc tectonic environments

Lithofacies, mineralogy, and pore characteristics of Permian marine tuffaceous rocks in the Sichuan Basin

Alongside volcanic eruptions in the middle and late Permian, the sedimentary environment and process changed, and the lithofacies and mineralogical characteristics varied conspicuously from the marine sediments in this period. Marine tuffaceous rocks beared strong witness to the marine and volcanic actions in this time. With experimental studies relying on field outcrop, thin section, scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction (XRD), mercury injection capillary pressure (MICP) and CT scan, the researchers analyzed the lithology, mineralogy, and pore characteristics of marine tuffaceous rocks. Among the Permian marine tuffaceous sections of the Sichuan Basin, three types of lithofacies were identified, namely tuff, sedimentary tuff, and tuffaceous mudstone. The mineral composition of the tuffaceous section includes quartz, feldspar, carbonate minerals, pyrite, clay,etc.The quartz content varies from 4.0% to 27.3%, with an average value of 13.0%; the feldspar content varies from 0 to 21.2%, with an average value of 9.8%; the carbonate mineral content varies from 8.52% to 53.45%, with an average value of 27.6%; the clay mineral content varies from 0 to 75.3%, with an average value of 44.8%; and the pyrite content varies from 0 to 13.4%, with an average value of 5.8%. The porosity of tuffaceous rocks varies from 2.2% to 8.1%, mostly concentrated in the range from 3% to 7% with an average level of 5.24%. There are mainly shrinkage pores, dissolution pores, intercrystalline pores, and organic pores. In terms of scale, the pores can be classified as micron-scale and nano-scale pores, and in terms of size, they are mainly micropores and mesopores, accounting for up to 92.12%. The pores are concentrated in the tuffaceous section and well interconnected, forming a complex organic-inorganic pore-fracture network system and bedding fractures with even better connectivity. The pores of the tuffaceous section are greatly influenced by lithofacies and mineral composition. The porosities of tuffaceous mudstone, sedimentary tuff and tuff rank downward, with average porosities of 6.5%, 5.09%, and 3.86% respectively. The felsic content is inversely correlated with porosity; the clay content and TOC content are positively correlated with porosity; the pyrite content is also inversely correlated with porosity. The marine tuffaceous section is similar to shale to a certain extent as it has relatively dense lithology, its pores are mainly of micron-scale and nano-scale and mainly include micropores and mesopores. It boasts the hydrocarbon-generating capacity and reservoir performance, serving as both a source rock and a reservoir. As a novel reservoir, the tuffaceous section can form a tight reservoir both generating and depositing gas and featuring source-reservoir paragenesis, lithological reservoir-controlling, and large-area stratified distribution, manifesting a promising future for exploration.

Mineralogy of K-Rich Rocks from the Jharia Basin in Jharkhand: Indications for Cretaceous Lamproite Magmatism in Eastern India

AbstractPotassic dikes of early Cretaceous age (ca. 115 Ma) are emplaced in the Gondwana sedimentary basins of the Damodar valley in eastern India. Two potassic dikes in the Jharia basin (Ena and Moonidih) are characterized by the presence of olivine macrocrysts and phenocrysts, together with microphenocrysts of olivine, phlogopite–biotite, ilmenite, and apatite. These are set in a groundmass of phlogopite, apatite, ilmenite, spinel, and K-feldspar. Microphenocrystal and groundmass Al-Na-poor diopside and Al-poor Ti-rich amphibole are present in the Ena dike, whereas rutile, pyrite, galena, Zr-Ti-rich garnet, and quartz are minor phases occurring in the Moonidih dike. Two populations of relatively fresh olivine (I and II) are found in the Ena dike, in contrast to the Moonidih dike, where olivine macrocrysts and microphenocrysts are completely replaced by secondary magnesite, serpentine, and talc. The occurrence of fresh olivine in the Ena dike is reported for the first time in the Jharia basin. High forsterite (Fo) and Ni together with low Ca and Mn contents of the olivine-I macrocrysts suggest a mantle-derived xenocrystic origin. In contrast, the olivine-II population has high Ca and Mn, but relatively low Fo and Ni, suggesting a magmatic origin. Rimward decreasing Al and increasing Fe contents in zoned phlogopite crystals, plus the presence of groundmass spinel with compositions along the titanomagnetite trend (T2), indicate the lamproitic affinity of the K-rich dike rocks. Using a mineralogical-genetic classification scheme, the Ena and Moonidih dikes are classified as olivine-phlogopite-diopside-apatite-amphibole-feldspar lamproite and olivine-phlogopite-apatite-feldspar lamproite, respectively. We use the compositional variations of phlogopite, amphibole, apatite, and spinel to understand better the magmatic evolution and crystallization history of these potassic dikes. The Cretaceous lamproite magmatic event in eastern India was sourced from ancient metasomatized lithospheric mantle, with low-degree partial melting either triggered in the periphery of the impinging Kerguelen mantle plume head or induced by distant subduction.

Natural arsenic-rich spring waters discharging from the Austin Chalk, North-Central Texas, USA: Mineral and chemical evidence of pyrite oxidation followed by reductive dissolution of neo-formed Fe(III) oxides/oxyhydroxides

The chemical composition of acidic springs with elevated arsenic (As) concentrations discharging from the Cretaceous Austin Chalk in North-Central Texas, USA, along with the mineralogy of ochreous precipitates associated with these springs, was investigated to evaluate the source of the arsenic. Water samples were collected from the springs for chemical analysis and bedrock (i.e., Austin Chalk) and local soil samples were taken for mineralogical and chemical analyses. The mean (±1σ) pH of the spring waters is 6.3 ± 0.68. The spring waters also exhibit low redox potentials (Eh = −100 ± 70 mV), high iron (Fe) concentrations (40 mg kg−1), elevated As concentrations (up to 105 μg kg−1), moderate total dissolve solids (TDS) values (780 mg kg−1 ≤ TDS ≤1380 mg kg−1), and a sulfurous odor. Arsenic concentrations are highest where the springs discharge, but subsequently decreases with flow beyond the spring orifices. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of samples of the Austin Chalk from the field site revealed that pyritization of planktonic and benthic foraminifera tests is a common feature of these aquifer rocks, and that the pyrite occurs largely as framboids. Electron microprobe analysis of the pyrite grains indicate that early diagenetic forms consist chiefly of Fe and sulfur (S) in nearly stoichiometric proportions (i.e., ∼45 and 50 wt % respectively, for Fe and S), whereas late diagenetic and/or weathered forms are largely Fe (∼60 wt %) with minimal S contents (∼0.1 wt%). Arsenic is distributed evenly in both phases (∼0.2 wt %) but is absent in the surrounding carbonate matrix. The spring water compositions along with the mineralogy of the aquifer rocks and the ochreous precipitates are consistent with the source of the elevated dissolved As concentrations being the result of oxidation and chemical weathering of As-bearing pyrite that occurs within the Austin Chalk and overlying soils/sediments as recharging meteoric water reacts with these materials. We employ a simple 1-D reactive transport model that supports As-bearing pyrite oxidation by O2(aq) in recharging meteoric waters, adsorption of mobilized As onto the resulting neo-formed Fe(III) oxides/oxyhydroxides, followed by reductive dissolution of the neo-formed Fe(III) oxides/oxyhydroxides and re-release of the adsorbed into the groundwater as the likely geochemical processes responsible for the elevated As concentrations measured in the studied springs.

Petrology and mineralogy of Middle Jurassic siliciclastic rocks of the Kopet-Dagh rift basin, NE Iran: A comparison with the Binalud intramontane basin

The Middle Jurassic Kashafrud Formation of the Kopet-Dagh Basin is a succession of fluvial to turbiditic siliciclastic rocks deposited in a rift basin that was initiated in the Late Bajocian and was filled with conglomerates, sandstones, and mudstones. The sandstones are mainly lithic arkoses and feldspathic litharenites. The sandstones of the Kashafrud Formation contain evidence of numerous diagenetic processes, including compaction and fracturing, cementation, dissolution, and formation of authigenic minerals. For evaluation of the thermal history and diagenetic processes, and the formation of clay minerals, a burial temperature range for the Kashafrud Formation of more than 100 °C has been assumed. Geochemical results point to felsic, mafic, and metamorphic rocks, as well as to Proterozoic recycled sandstones as source rocks. The chemical index of alteration and plagioclase index of alteration indicate a humid to semi-arid climate at the time of sedimentation. Based on petrographic and geochemical data, the main tectonic sources for the sediments of the post-orogenic Middle Jurassic Kashafrud Rift Basin were a recycled orogen and passive margin. The Early Jurassic to early Middle Jurassic Binalud Intramontane Basin, situated at the northern margin of the Binalud Mountains and formed during a late phase of the Early Cimmerian Orogenic Event, was also filled with sediments derived from the Cimmerian mountain belt. The two basins represent different tectonic settings, but both are connected to the closure of the Palaeo-Tethys, reflecting similar source rocks and similar climatic conditions.

Zircon ages, mineralogy, and geochemistry of ophiolitic mafic and island-arc rocks from central Cuba: Implications for Cretaceous tectonics in the Caribbean region

Ophiolite-related rocks and volcanic-arc rocks are the main geological components in Cuba; deciphering their origin and evolution is fundamental in interpreting and reconstructing the tectonic processes for the Caribbean region. In this paper, we report new zircon U Pb chronology, mineralogy, and geochemistry of ophiolitic metadiabase dikes and island-arc rocks in central Cuba, and discuss their origin and petrogenesis. The metadiabase dikes have a zircon U Pb age of 135.0 ± 1.7 Ma; they are low-K tholeiites , and have geochemical characteristics intermediate between those of typical normal mid-ocean ridge basalt (N-MORB) and island-arc tholeiites (IAT), suggesting that they were formed in a back-arc basin. The investigated island-arc rocks, including amphibolite from the Mabujina amphibolite complex (MAC), plutonic diorite and their mafic enclaves, and volcanic dacite, have zircon U Pb age of 93.53 Ma, 92.31 Ma, 94.35 Ma and 83.60 Ma, respectively, recording different phases of island-arc magmatism. The amphibolite samples have geochemical compositions suggesting that the protolith of the amphibolite was basaltic igneous rocks that originated from a depleted mantle source mildly modified by fluids from a subducting slab, and that the mantle source might be deep and garnet-bearing. Microstructures and elemental geochemical data reveal that the mafic enclaves and diorites represent distinct island-arc magma pulses that originated from partial melting of depleted mantle which had been previously modified by subduction-related mobile elements. The dacites are evolved island-arc volcanic rocks that formed through fractional crystallization of hydrous basaltic magmas that originated from a strongly depleted mantle source. Above data support such a tectonic model, that is, during the Early Cretaceous (from ~135 Ma or even earlier), a typical trench–arc–basin system developed in the Caribbean region as a result of southwest-directed subduction of the Proto-Caribbean plate beneath the Caribbean plate; after that time, uninterrupted Proto-Caribbean plate subduction occurred, generating quasi-continuous arc magmatism from before ~135 to 81 Ma, and gradually consuming the Proto-Caribbean Ocean. • A diabase dike in the ophiolite in central Cuba has a zircon U Pb age of 135.0 ± 1.7 Ma. • A typical trench–arc–basin system developed in the Caribbean region during the Early Cretaceous. • The arc rocks have highly diverse major and trace elemental and isotopic compositions.

Study of Mineralogy and Engineering Properties of Volcanic Rock at the Base of the Pamukkulu DAM Foundation, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

At the location of the Pamukkulu dam, it has engineering geological characteristics that are less supportive of the construction above it, especially for the foundation of the dam. By taking data directly in the field and by laboratory testing, information is needed regarding the characterization of mineralogy and the engineering properties of rocks. Mineralogical analysis was performed with petrography and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) while the engineering properties of the rock were performed with Plate Bearing Tests (PBT), Standard Penetration Tests (SPT), and Rock Mass Rating (RMR). Based on mineralogical data, rocks have undergone weathering and converted the chemical-physical properties of minerals into porous, fine-grained minerals, forming mineral oxides as well as clay minerals. The carrying capacity of surface soils in the dam area based on the plate bearing test is relatively poor. As for subsurface rocks, the weight of the rock mass rating belongs to the class (II) Good to (III) Medium. Meanwhile, from the density value of hard soils, there are different depths from a depth of 1 meter to 6 meters. Weathering conditions of rocks affect the engineering value of soils and rocks where due to weathering minerals formed in the form of porous clay minerals, they are not well consolidated.

Comprehensive sensitivity analysis on static and dynamic reservoir parameters impacting near wellbore injectivity during CO2 sequestration

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is proved to be effective measure for reducing CO2 emissions. whilst the world still highly depends on the use of fossil fuel energy, this method is necessary for reaching the world’s 1.5 °C goal.In CCS, CO2 is hindered from entering the atmosphere by capturing it from sources of emission and storing it in geological formation. Saline aquifers among all possible underground formations are most common targeted ones for CO2 storage due to their frequent presence, and large storage capacity. However, this storage option suffers from sufficient well injectivity to inject large volumes of CO2 at acceptable rates through a minimum number of wells.The injectivity impairment / reinforcement happens through mineral dissolution, fine particle movement, salt precipitation and hydrate formation (known so far). Each of these mechanisms will be more dominant in injectivity alteration at different distance from the injection point depending on reservoir pressure and temperature, formation water salinity, rock mineralogy, and flow rate of CO2 injection as well as its dryness.Incorporating all the finding into radial flow near wellbore will help gaining insight into the resultant of injectivity changes over time and distant from injection point. In this study we have chosen Eclipse 300 together with an open-source code to investigate the impact of formation characteristics, CO2 -Brine-Rock interaction, pressure, temperature as well as injection rate on injectivity alteration. The goal for this work is to provide a workflow which can help predicting injectivity alteration using the existing tools.Simulation results show that the high homogenous horizontal permeability in combination with vertical flow baffles in the formation (among all other parameters) has positive impact on storage capacity by increasing residual trapping. However, permeability is affected severely by salt precipitation during CO2 injection. Combined static and dynamic parameter study demonstrate that the injection rate plays a crucial role in size and expansion of CO2 plume as well as growth rate of dry out zone length, amount of salt precipitation and length of equilibrium region. The higher the injection rate, the quicker activation of the capillary and gravity force which leads to drag more brine to near well-bore resulting in higher volume fraction of salt precipitation. However, low injection rate could result in smaller CO2 plume, shorter dry out zone and longer equilibrium region in term of distance from injection point.

The coupling effects of pore structure and rock mineralogy on the pre-Darcy behaviors in tight sandstone and shale

The pore structure and mineral composition play a crucial role in controlling the water flow behaviors of low-permeability media, which is characterized by threshold pressure gradient (TPG) and nonlinear flow curve. To figure out the coupling effects of these two factors on pre-Darcy flow regimes, water flow experiments were conducted on four tight sandstones, three shales and one fractured shale. The results indicate that both the TPG and pseudo threshold pressure gradient (PTPG) decrease with an increase in total porosity and macropores porosity. The variation of the nonlinear exponent (n) with total porosity and macropore porosity can be described by an exponential function with three parameters. The clay minerals and brittle minerals exert completely opposite influence on the variation of pre-Darcy flow parameters (PTPG, TPG and n). Both TPG/PTPG and n increase with increasing clay content while reduce with increase in the brittle minerals content. Theoretical analyses based on the disjoining pressure demonstrate that immovable water and electro-viscous effect are mainly responsible for water flow deviating from Darcy's law in tight sandstone and shale. Calculation results show that the proportion of immovable water of intact samples ranges from 23.46% to 89.73%, the movable water content ranges from 10.27%–76.54%. The pre-Darcy flow parameters exponentially increase with increase in immovable water content while exponentially decrease with increasing proportion of movable water. For the shale sample used in this work, the immovable water and electro-viscous effect contributing to the pre-Darcy flow account for 81.11%–90.35% and 9.58%–18.51%, respectively. The different flow regimes are controlled by the pore diameter and the thickness of water with shear fluidity. If the diameter of interconnected pores is larger than 10 μm, the Darcy flow regime dominates. When the diameter of minor pore throat of the flow channels are less than 33.82 nm for sandstones and 37.68 nm for shales, the movement of water in this flow channel would generate the TPG.

Palaeoproterozoic arc related supracrustal units from the Tasiilaq Region, SE Greenland: Insights into the convergence of the Rae and North Atlantic Cratons

The Tasiilaq region in SE Greenland contains Palaeoproterozoic supracrustal rocks, which record the collision and suturing of the Rae Craton and North Atlantic Craton during the 1.9 Ga Nagssugtoqidian orogeny. The original mineralogy and textures of the supracrustal rocks have been largely overprinted by amphibolite facies metamorphism, obscuring the original protoliths and complicating the interpretation of the early Earth surface environment in which these rocks formed. Here, we present new major and trace element data for the Schweizerland, Kuummiut and Isertoq Terranes, with the former two representing the Rae craton, and the latter the northern margin of the North Atlantic Craton. Supracrustal lithologies include metapelites, marbles, calc-silicate rocks and mafic to felsic volcanic rocks and/or shallow intrusive rocks. Pelites normalised to Post Archaean Australian shales have (sub)horizontal rare earth element patterns, with La/SmCN: 1.61 – 23.91 and Eu/Eu* 0.34 – 1.83 and Th/Sc 1. The volcanic rocks are enriched relative to the primitive mantle (PM) with parallel to sub parallel PM-normalised heavy rare earth elements. They have a suprasubduction zone signature with distinct Nb-Ta troughs. The amphibolites can be further divided into those that interacted with the crust; back-arc basalts with subtle Nb-Ta troughs; and fore-arc basalts with distinct Nb-Ta and Zr-Hf troughs and negative Ti anomalies. The marbles consist of a Mg-rich dolomite group with δ13C 0.48 to 0.91 ‰ and δ18O −6.13 to −7.57 ‰; and Mg-poor calcitic carbonates with δ13C −0.74 to 0.17 ‰ and δ18O −10.81 to −14.87 ‰. This isotopic composition suggests formation at ∼ 2050 Ma during the low δ13C excursion following the Great Oxidation Event. We propose that the supracrustals of the Tasiilaq region were deposited at 2050 Ma in a series of interconnected basins during dual subduction convergence of the North Atlantic and Rae cratons, with development of an island arc with back arc basin in the north, and a continental arc in the south. These basins were inverted during continental collision, thrust, and folded into the Archaean Kuummiut and Isertoq TTG-dominated terrane basement, before being subjected to the region-wide amphibolite facies metamorphism at ∼ 1840 Ma during the Nagssugtoqidian orogeny.

Investigation of the microstructural characteristics of heated sandstone by micro-computed tomography technique

Heritage buildings always pose challenges due to experiencing high temperatures and pressure over time. Sandstone is one of the common sedimentary rock types used for these buildings. Therefore, it is very important to understand the microstructural variations of rocks associated with these constructions along with the mechanical variations. In this study, the microstructural and mechanical alteration of selected types of sandstones is investigated after it is heated from room temperature to 800 °C. Micro X-ray computed tomography (µXCT), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetry (TG) and derivative thermogravimetry (DTG) techniques were used to identify the physical, chemical, mineralogical and microstructural changes of sandstone after different heat treatments. The mechanical alteration of the heated rock specimens was also studied using the point load index (PLI). The main changes in microstructure were observed when the sandstone’s temperature was greater than 400 °C. The total porosity measured by µXCT of sandstone increased by more than 70% at 800 °C compared to its porosity at room temperature. When the temperature increases, the open porosity increases while the closed porosity decreases. Noticeable changes in rock mineralogy were identified at temperatures exceeding 400 °C, which can be attributed to the phase transition of quartz, decomposition of feldspar and dehydroxylation of kaolinite. The TG and DTG analyses and point load index were in good agreement concerning these changes in rock mineralogy. Microstructural variation is one of the main reasons for the discrepancy in threshold values between different sandstones.

Natural radionuclides in rocks and their association with the mineralogy of rocks in Dakshina Kannada region of southern India

Natural radionuclides in rocks and their association with the mineralogy of rocks in Dakshina Kannada region of southern India

Polymer induced permeability reduction: The influence of polymer retention and porous medium properties

Polymer injection is broadly applied for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) in high crude oil viscosity and heterogeneous reservoirs. Although polymer flooding is very effective to decrease the mobility ratio towards favorable values and improve sweep efficiency, some side effects have to be considered including the risk of a severe polymer induced permeability reduction (PIPR) resulting from polymer/rock interaction either near the wellbore of in-depth of the reservoir. Many factors affect the degree of PIPR such as rock mineralogy, oil saturation, temperature, formation water salinity, rock pore structure, polymer type, polymer molecular weight, shear rates in the porous medium, and quality of the injection water (solid particles and oil droplets content). Accurate assessment of PIPR is very important for polymer selection to define the relative merits of polymer flooding for a certain reservoir and avoid polymer injectivity loss during field operations. A severe PIPR can be due to excessive polymer retention inside the reservoir rock, fluid incompatibility of polymer with formation fluids and rocks, clogging of pore throats (accumulation of large polymer molecules at the pore throat), shear thickening due to high shear rate in the near-wellbore area, Improper preparation of the polymer solution, and bad quality of the injection brine used to prepare the polymer solution.In this paper, coreflooding as an assessment technique for PIPR is reviewed and a new interpretation technique is presented to correlated the polymer retention to permeability reduction measured from coreflooding experiments. Coupling the polymer retention and rock quality index was very effective in matching the permeability reduction for data presented in the literature for sandstone and carbonate rock samples.PIPR should be considered as an important design characteristic during any polymer selection workflow. Although different techniques are presented earlier, most of them lack the ability for upscaling. An accurate assessment of PIPR using experimental data permits critical evaluation of polymer flow deeper in the reservoir and prediction of any injectivity problems as well as improving project design.

Role of mineralogical, structural and hydrodynamic rock properties in conduits formation in three distinct carbonate rock types

Adopting sustainable strategies to manage water resources of karst reservoirs requires to understand the carbonate rock reactivity that is responsible for the formation of these reservoirs, as well as the role of the rock mineralogy in the conduit formation. To this end, three carbonate rocks (chalk, crinoidal limestone and dolomite) with different mineralogy and internal structure are submitted to laboratory dissolution experiments by injecting an acid solution under atmospheric conditions and various hydrodynamic conditions with a homemade experimental device. The core samples are characterized by petrophysical investigations with laboratory and imagery techniques before and after the experiments, and the changes in chemical and hydraulic properties are recorded during the experiment. The resulting carbonate dissolution leads to the formation of preferential conduits and the increase in porosity and permeability of the samples. For the three rock types, the dissolution rate mainly depends on the mineral composition, the flow conditions and the initial structural properties. In addition, we observe that (i) for each rock type, the lower Péclet conditions applied to the samples, the lower global dissolution rate, (ii) for each hydrodynamic condition, chalk and crinoidal limestone have the highest and smallest dissolution rates, respectively, (iii) for a similar amount of injected acid, the dissolution is lower in dolomite than in calcite, and (iv) high rock heterogeneities in the chalk samples are responsible for high renewal rates that induce high dissolution rates.

Chemical interaction driven by deep fluids in the damage zone of a seismogenic carbonate fault

We analyzed from meso-to microscale the chemical interaction (e.g., bleaching) between deep fluids and carbonate rocks in pelagic limestones exposed along the seismically active Gubbio normal fault (Northern Apennines), exhumed from ca. 2 km depth. Bleaching is enhanced by the exploitation of inherited stylolitic seams by fluids and is favored by the progressive leaching and mobilization of primary components (i.e., Ca, Fe, Pb, and Cu) and the precipitation of authigenic baryte due to temperature and/or redox potential contrast.Analysis of fluid inclusions trapped in calcite veins in the damage zone precipitated from a H2O–NaCl-bearing fluid(s), with low salinity (1.22–2.57 wt%NaCleq) and a range of trapping temperature between 107 °C and 185 °C, higher than the host rock peak T conditions. Analysis of fluid inclusions and noble gases from syn-kinematic calcite and mineralogy of altered rocks suggests a mixed contribution between crustal-derived fluids with diagenetic fluids containing sulphates and CO2. We speculate that bleaching is a by-product of the circulation of such aggressive fluids with mixed contributions, likely mobilized during seismic event(s) and injected into the damage zone at shallow depths. Such processes, affecting the chemical-physical properties of limestones, are generally underestimated and should be considered when modelling hydraulic connectivity in fractured carbonate reservoirs.