Heterogeneity of Organoclay Complexes in Shale Regulates the Generation of Shale Oil.

Organic matter (OM) and clay minerals are important components in shale, which are intimately associated with each other in the form of organoclay complexes. The diverse mineral-OM associations result in varying OM occurrences, which possess distinct hydrocarbon generation potential and ultimately affect the accumulation of shale oil. Therefore, the investigation of the heterogeneity of organoclay complexes is crucial to gaining a comprehensive understanding of the varying exploration potential of shale oil resources. In the present study, shale samples from three intervals in Dongying Depression were collected to investigate the mineralogical and organic characteristics of the organoclay complexes, aiming to explore their impact on the yield and composition of shale oil. Results showed that the smectite gradually converted into illite, which was accompanied by the release of OM from clay mineral interlayers and the desorption of chemically adsorbed OM. The yield and composition of shale oil cannot solely be explained by the OM content and types in the shale. Instead, they are intricately linked to the evolution of minerals and OM occurrence. From the perspective of the heterogeneity of organoclay complexes, despite the abundant OM content in shallower intervals (Es3x), the shale oil formation remains limited due to the low degree of mineral evolution and the stabilization of the adsorbed OM by clay minerals. Consequently, this leads to a higher proportion of resin, which is not conducive to the mobility of shale oil. In contrast, despite the OM content varying slightly in the deeper interval (Es4s), the elevated smectite illitization degree promotes the desorption of OM and its conversion into hydrocarbons. This results in a substantial increase in shale oil formation and a higher proportion of saturates, greatly enhancing the mobility of shale oil. These findings are profoundly significant for understanding shale oil generation and accumulation.