Shale adhesion force measurements via atomic force microscopy

Wettability of sedimentary rock surface is an essential parameter that defines oil recovery and production rates a reservoir. The discovery wettability alteration in reservoirs, as well complications occur analysis heterogeneous sample, such shale, for instance, have prompted scientists to look the methods assessment at nanoscale. At same time, bulk techniques, which are commonly applied, USBM ( United States Bureau Mines ) or Amott tests, not sensitive enough cases with mixed rocks they provide average values core plug. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) has been identified one allow measurement adhesion forces between cantilever sample exact location These can be used estimate locally. Current research, however, shows correlation trivial. Moreover, force via AFM extensively studies geological samples yet. In this study, tip interaction quartz inclusion on shale surface, measured using technique. particular case was equal capillary water meniscus, formed tip. Experiments were conducted SiconG (tip radius 5 nm). grain 56.5 ± nN. Assuming half spherical, per area 0.36 0.03 nN/nm 2 . measurements results acquired nano-scale will thus create path towards much higher accuracy-wettability consequently better reservoir-scale predictions improved underground operations.