title: Stability of K-Montmorillonite Hydrates:  Hybrid MC Simulations.
abstract: NPzzT and μPzzT simulations of K-montmorillonite hydrates were performed employing hybrid Monte Carlo simulations. Two condition sets were studied:  P = 1 atm and T = 300 K (ground level conditions) and P = 600 atm and T = 394 K; this last condition mimics a burial depth close to 4 km. For these conditions, swelling curves as a function of the reservoir water vapor pressure were built. We found the single layer K-montmorillonite hydrate stable for high vapor pressures for both burial and ground level conditions. A simple explanation for this high stability is given.
authors.affiliation: Programa de Ingeniería Molecular, Instituto Mexicano del Petróleo, Lázaro Cárdenas 152, 07730 México, D. F., México.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Odriozola
authors.affiliation: Programa de Ingeniería Molecular, Instituto Mexicano del Petróleo, Lázaro Cárdenas 152, 07730 México, D. F., México.
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Aguilar