Advances in Computed Tomography for Geomaterials: GeoX 2010

X-ray Imaging of Fluid Flow in Capillary Imbibition Experiments

Influence of compaction and localized deformation

C. David¹ — L. Louis¹ — B. Menéndez¹ — A. Pons² — J. Fortin² — S. Stanchits³ — J.M. Mengus⁴

¹ Université de Cergy-Pontoise – Laboratoire Géosciences et Environnement Cergy 5 mail Gay-Lussac, F-95031 Cergy-Pontoise, [e-mail], [e-mail], [e-mail]

 

²Ecole Normale Supérieure – Laboratoire de Géologie24 rue Lhomond, F-75252 Paris Cedex 05, [e-mail], [e-mail]

 

³GeoForschungsZentrumTelegrafenberg, D-14473 Potsdam, [e-mail]

 

⁴Institut Français du Pétrole1-4 avenue de Bois-Préau, F-92852 Rueil-Malmaison, [e-mail]

ABSTRACT. We used an industrial scanner to image capillary imbibition processes in order to get some insight into fluid motion processes in several porous rocks. Images obtained at different stages in standard capillary rise experiments on intact and damaged rock samples are analyzed. The geometry of the water front depends on the rock microstructure and its curvature changes as the water rises up to the top of the samples. The mechanical damage was induced either during creep experiments at increasing stress levels or in standard triaxial tests. The continuous recording and localization of acoustic emissions was extremely useful in identifying clusters where damage was concentrated. We show that the velocity and the geometry of the water ...