A Novel Method for Determining the Degree of Clay Swelling in Clay – Polymer – Water Systems

The effectiveness of various clay-shale swelling inhibitors was evaluated, and the hydration mechanism was studied using information on the contents of adsorbed water in clay–polymer–water systems. Quantitative analysis was performed by UV-photodetection and thermogravimetric analysis. The evaluation of the degree of shale hydration could provide new ideas for well designs, and information regarding the most effective and ecologically friendly swelling inhibitors.