Project title: Studies of fracture permeability of selected reservoir rocks
Source of funding: Polish Academy of Sciences
Call: Mobility
Project number: PAN-24-18
Implementation period: January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2026
Project manager: D. Sc. Eng. Mateusz Kudasik, Associate Professor
Abstract
Permeability describes the ability of rocks to seepage fluids and, together with porosity, is one of the fundamental parameters characterising porous media. Understanding rock permeability is essential for geoenergy applications, mining, geological carbon dioxide storage, and research into induced seismicity. Under natural conditions, fluid flow through rocks depends on their structure and on the pressure, stress, and temperature conditions at a given depth.
The project aims to determine how fractures with controlled geometries affect rock permeability under laboratory conditions representative of those encountered in situ. Shale, sandstone, and limestone samples will be investigated. Following initial measurements of their permeability to methane and water, fractures will be created in the samples using a high-pressure water jet (Water Jet technology). Permeability measurements and analyses of rock structure will then be repeated.
Water Jet technology will enable the creation of fractures with regular, controlled shapes, allowing the influence of fracture geometry on fluid flow to be investigated. Combining experimental results with models of flow through fractured rocks will provide a better understanding of the relationships between fracture structure, loading and temperature conditions, and rock permeability.
Contact person: D. Sc. Eng. Mateusz Kudasik, Associate Professor