RELATIVE FACTORS INFLUENCING MEMBRANE FILTRATION EFFECTS IN GEOLOGIC ENVIRONMENTS

Shales serve as semi-permeable membranes. These membrane properties result from the electrostatic properties of clays and kerogen. Kerogen may be extremely important to the membrane properties of shales but there are no data at present with which to assess its importance. The factors that probably influence the relative transport rates of dissolved species through shale membranes are assessed as to their relative importance. The probable effect of temperature, pressure, and chemical concentrations of the aqueous solutions on the total efficiency of the shale membrane and the relative passage rates of the dissolved species also are discussed. Important parameters for a better understanding of membrane behavior that require experimental and field investigation are presented. © 1969.