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Analysis of high‐resolution X‐ray computed tomography images of Bentheim sandstone under elevated confining pressures
Author(s) -
Saenger Erik H.,
Lebedev Maxim,
Uribe David,
Osorno Maria,
Vialle Stephanie,
Duda Mandy,
Iglauer Stefan,
Steeb Holger
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
geophysical prospecting
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.735
H-Index - 79
eISSN - 1365-2478
pISSN - 0016-8025
DOI - 10.1111/1365-2478.12400
Subject(s) - geology , tomography , porosity , mineralogy , resolution (logic) , overburden pressure , geotechnical engineering , optics , physics , computer science , artificial intelligence
A sample of Bentheim sandstone was characterized using high‐resolution three‐dimensional X‐ray microscopy at two different confining pressures of 1 MPa and 20 MPa. The two recordings can be directly compared with each other because the same sample volume was imaged in either case. After image processing, a porosity reduction from 21.92% to 21.76% can be deduced from the segmented data. With voxel‐based numerical simulation techniques, we determined apparent hydraulic transport properties and effective elastic properties. These results were compared with laboratory measurements using reference samples. Laboratory and computed volumes, as well as hydraulic transport properties, agree fairly well. To achieve a reasonable agreement for the effective elastic properties, we define pressure‐dependent grain contact zones in addition to mineral phases in the digital rock images. From that, we derive a specific digital rock physics template resulting in a very good agreement between laboratory data and simulations. The digital rock physics template aims to contribute to a more standardized approach of X‐ray computed tomography data analysis as a tool to determine and predict elastic rock properties.