Distinct chemical and stable isotope compositions of smectite formed during steaming of Clearwater Formation oil-sands from Cold Lake, Alberta

Chemical reactions between oil-sands and injected steam or steam condensate during cyclic steam stimulation (CSS), commonly used to mobilize heavy oil and bitumen, result in decomposition of pre-existing minerals and formation of new phases including clay minerals. These changes can reduce reservoir permeability and limit hydrocarbon recovery. In this study, the chemical and stable isotope compositions of berthierine and smectitic clay minerals contained in pre- and post-steam Clearwater Formation oil-sands from Cold Lake, Alberta were analyzed to investigate how these phases were affected by CSS. Berthierine abundance in the injection-zone decreased after steaming whereas the abundance of smectitic clay minerals increased. Pre- and post-steam berthierine exhibited the same range of chemical compositions, while those of pre- and post-steam smectitic clay minerals commonly differed. Some post-steam smectitic clay minerals from the steam injection-zone, in particular, contain significantly more Fe and Si but less Al than pre-steam samples. It is proposed that that berthierine contributed to the formation of new smectitic clay minerals during CCS through partial inheritance of the berthierine 1:1 structure. This inheritance model approximates the unique chemical compositions of the post-steam smectitic clay minerals. The model also helps to explain the incomplete oxygen and hydrogen isotope exchange between injection fluids and smectitic clay minerals formed during CSS.