Inverse problem theory to chemo-poroelastic parameters estimation: an analytical/experimental investigation

Shale formation swelling is one of the main factors affecting wellbore instability and associated problems in drilling operation. In order to eliminate these problems, it is important to investigate formation characteristics and understand mechanisms of rock-fluid interaction, from chemical/mechanical point of view. Shale membrane efficiency is known as an important parameter affecting wellbore instability. In order to measure this parameter, many mathematical models and experimental efforts have been carried out which consider mechanical-chemical processes for rock-fluid interactions. In this study, the field equations governing the problem have been derived based on the linear chemo-poroelastic theory and solved using analytical/numerical methods. Afterward, a comprehensive workflow to characterize the chemo-poroelastic parameters of illite-rich shale is conducted in the laboratory. In fact, mineralogical and apparent properties of shale sample have been described and some setups were performed such as triaxial test and membrane efficiency. Then genetic algorithm has been applied to solve an inverse problem and get a match between experimental data and modeling results. Ultimately, the three important properties in shale-fluid interactions, i.e., shale membrane efficiency, hydraulic, and chemical diffusivity coefficient have been estimated. Comparing the simulation results with the experimental data indicates that the simulation model can appropriately simulate the pore pressure transmission test. With this approach, the required parameters can be estimated with good accuracy without using time-consuming and costly tests.