Electrical signatures of dual domain mass transfer observed in rock cores

L. Slater, F. Day-Lewis, B. Parker, L. Slater

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Dual domain mass transfer (DDMT), or the transfer of solute between mobile and less-mobile porosity domains, can cause anomalous breakthrough behavior observed during pumping operations. One novel method for characterizing DDMT is through geoelectrical inference, whereby electrical geophysical measurements are combined with pore fluid specific conductance measurements during a tracer experiment. Studies have shown the effectiveness of this method for characterizing DDMT in unconsolidated materials. We describe first of a kind instrumentation and results aimed at investigating evidence for a geoelectrical signature of DDMT in a rock core. A flow through apparatus was designed with the capability to simultaneously acquire bulk conductivity and specific conductance measurements on fluids extracted from the center of the core. A tracer experiment was run in three phases: initial, tracer flush, and tracer injection. Both specific conductance and bulk conductivity time series exhibit characteristic breakthrough behavior, with a delayed breakthrough of bulk conductivity relative to specific conductance, indicative of DDMT in the core. A strong hysteresis loop in the plot of bulk conductivity versus specific conductance is observed, consistent with the electrical geophysical signature of DDMT. The occurrence of DDMT at the core-scale indicates that it is likely ubiquitous within porous media across multiple scales.

Original languageAmerican English
Title of host publication1st Conference on Hydrogeophysics
Subtitle of host publicationContribution to Exploration and Management of Groundwater, Land-Use and Natural Hazards under a Changing Climate, Held at Near Surface Geoscience Conference and Exhibition 2021, NSG 2021
PublisherEAGE Publishing BV
ISBN (Electronic)9789462823877
DOIs
StatePublished - 2021
Event1st Conference on Hydrogeophysics: Contribution to Exploration and Management of Groundwater, Land-Use and Natural Hazards under a Changing Climate, Held at Near Surface Geoscience Conference and Exhibition 2021, NSG 2021 - Bordeaux, Virtual, France
Duration: Aug 29 2021Sep 2 2021

Publication series

Name1st Conference on Hydrogeophysics: Contribution to Exploration and Management of Groundwater, Land-Use and Natural Hazards under a Changing Climate, Held at Near Surface Geoscience Conference and Exhibition 2021, NSG 2021

Conference

Conference1st Conference on Hydrogeophysics: Contribution to Exploration and Management of Groundwater, Land-Use and Natural Hazards under a Changing Climate, Held at Near Surface Geoscience Conference and Exhibition 2021, NSG 2021
Country/TerritoryFrance
CityBordeaux, Virtual
Period8/29/219/2/21

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Earth-Surface Processes
  • Geophysics
  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology

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