The use of high-resolution X-ray CT for the quantification of fluid-flow properties of sandstone

Veerle Cnudde, Jelle Vlassenbroeck, P Verschueren, R Lewis

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

X-ray tomography has been applied for the non-destructive investigation of geomaterials since several years, but it is only recently that high-resolution X-ray CT (HRXCT) scanners have been developed which are able to capture a 3D image at a micrometer scale or less. These insights can be used for the study of extraction of fossil fuels from porous rock formations. It is only because of the combination of state-of-the-art CT scanners and advanced modeling and simulation software algorithms that this type of in-depth studies can be performed. In this particular research we illustrate the combination of state-of-the-art HRXCT scanners and modeling software in the simulation of fluid flow through a Belgian sandstone (Bray). [figure]. First, we discuss the HRXCT equipment and protocol used resulting in an isotropic voxel size of 6 textmum. Next, we discuss the various steps in the quantification of the fluid-flow properties of a piece of the Bray sandstone. From the 2D image stack a 3D surface mesh model is generated. The surface mesh is optimized further and from that a 3.6 million ce11s hex-dominant volume mesh including 2 boundary layers is calculated. Boundary conditions and input include closing of top and bottom surfaces and a water inlet speed of 50 textmum/s. Results show mostly laminar flow with significant pressure drops in the pore throats. The obtained results and conclusions give an outlook on how these results can help geologists in understanding the physics of fluid flow through porous rocks or systems in general.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationPrace Naukowe Instytutu Nafty i Gazu
PublisherWydawnictwo Instytutu Nafty i Gazu ; Pastwowego Instytutu Badawczego
Pages149-150
Number of pages2
Volume170
Publication statusPublished - 2010

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