Open AccessPorosity and Permeability Evolution Accompanying Hot fluid Injection into Diatomite, SUPRI TR-123
Author(s) -
I. Diabira,
L. M. Castanier,
Anthony R. Kovscek
Publication year - 2001
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Reports
DOI - 10.2172/777917
Subject(s) - dissolution , porosity , permeability (electromagnetism) , fluid dynamics , materials science , solubility , mineralogy , composite material , geology , chemical engineering , chemistry , thermodynamics , biochemistry , physics , organic chemistry , membrane , engineering
An experimental study of silica dissolution was performed to probe the evolution of permeability and porosity in siliceous diatomite during hot fluid injection such as water or steam flooding. Two competing mechanisms were identified. Silica solubility in water at elevated temperature causes rock dissolution thereby increasing permeability; however, the rock is mechanically weak leading to compressing of the solid matrix during injection. Permeability and porosity can decrease at the onset of fluid flow. A laboratory flow apparatus was designed and built to examine these processes in diatomite core samples
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