The evolution of clay mineral and its indication of hydrocarbons under overpressure: An example from the shale of the Qingshankou formation in the Gulong Sag

The enrichment and development of shale oil are significantly influenced by the evolution of clay minerals. In this paper, the mineralogy and clay mineral crystallinity of shale samples from Wells X1, X2 and X3 in the Gulong Sag are characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Geochemical parameters, including total organic carbon (TOC) and rock-eval pyrolysis, were also evaluated. The results reveal that illite in the shale primarily exists in the matrix, originating mainly from the transformation of smectite and I/S mixed layer. Chlorite in pores is predominantly formed through fluid precipitation and crystallization. The study area exhibits abnormal evolution of illite and I/S mixed layers, as well as the phenomenon of rapid chlorite growth under overpressure condition. The abnormal evolution of illite and I/S mixed layer may attribute to the inhibition of the conversion reaction from I/S mixed layer to illite. Chlorite's rapid growth occurs through the nucleation mechanism. Furthermore, through the analysis of clay and organic matter correlation, coupled with overpressure and hydrocarbon-rich section considerations, it is observed that chlorite may play a significant role in the storage and generation of S₁. This study contributes to a better understanding of the relationship between clay mineral evolution and shale reservoir overpressure, offering valuable insights for the accurate assessment of shale oil.