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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

June 2022 Permeability Measurements in P-Tunnel, Nevada National Security Site

This document describes gas permeability measurements made in June 2022 in P-Tunnel at the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS). Four boreholes (AC-1, GI-5, GI-6, and HF-1) were tested with a dual packer system. The pressure versus flow rate data that were collected are analyzed using a numerical simulation method that captures compressible gas flow in partially saturated porous media using a close approximation to the geometry of the test setup. The first part of this document begins with data collection and a description of the packer assembly followed by details on data acquisition, measurement instrumentation, and equipment followed by a description of pre-test system verification. Next, the implementation of testing in the field is described, including how specific locations were chosen for testing. The second part of this document describes the numerical simulations used to back-out permeability from the pressure versus flow rate data. First, the numerical model is described, including assumptions. Next the details of the mesh that represents the experiment are described. A method for generating type curves in pressure versus flow rate space is presented and finally the data are mapped to permeability. We conclude with a discussion of the results.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Fast permeability measurement for tight reservoir cores using only initial data of the one chamber pressure pulse decay test

Here, in this study, a mathematical model for fast determination of the permeabilities of tight rocks using measurements taken from the initial period of the One Chamber Pressure Pulse Decay (OC-PPD) test is presented. The model applies to measurements taken both before and after the pressure pulse front has reached the downstream end of the specimen. The analytical solutions for the pressure decay in the upstream chamber are derived based on a parabolic arc approximation of pore pressure distribution along the test specimen. This approximation allows converting the initial–boundary value problem of fluid diffusion in the specimen, governed by partial differential equations, to a system of ordinary differential equations that can be easily solved by explicit formulae. Thus, an explicit formula for the pressure decay rate is obtained, which enables inverse analysis of the initial experimental data to estimate the rock permeability. The proposed method expedites the pulse decay test as it does not require the system to reach equilibrium. The method is validated with three sets of experimental data of the OC-PPD test using helium as the diffusing fluid, for which the relative error of the permeability is found to be less than 6%. This method is particularly useful if the equilibrium time of the pulse decay test for rock specimens with permeabilities in the range of nano-Darcy takes hours or days.

early-time solution↗
DOE OSTI2021

Evolution of Permeability in Sandstone During Confined Brazilian Testing

Permeability measurements were made on sandstone during confined Brazilian strength tests. The test involves 50 mm diameter disk-shaped, jacketed samples that are subjected to confining stresses while they are diametrically loaded. Specially designed end caps allow for concurrent gas flow measurements. The test configuration allows for the samples to be subjected to a range of stresses, with the confining stress as the intermediate principal stress. Furthermore, the majority of the tests measured permeability during loading to failure in the confined extension region. The permeability of the sandstone sample increases significantly well before the peak load is reached due to newly formed microcracks that continue to coalesce and dilate with further loading. Permeability increases are inversely proportional to the intermediate principal stress as increased confining pressures suppress growth, coalescence, and dilation of microcracks. Additional testing includes unloading and reloading cycles prior to failure. With each unloading–reloading cycle, permeability at comparable stresses is increased compared to the previous cycle, consistent with increasing damage in the form of an expanding microcrack network.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Effects of Supercritical CO2 on Matrix Permeability of Unconventional Formations

We studied the effects of supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) on the matrix permeability of reservoir rocks from the Eagle Ford, Utica, and Wolfcamp formations. We measured permeability using argon before exposure of the samples to scCO2 over time periods ranging from days to weeks. We measured permeability (and the change of permeability with confining pressure) when both argon and scCO2 were the pore fluids. In all three formations, we generally observe a negative correlation between initial permeability and carbonate content—the higher the carbonate content, the lower the initial permeability. In clay- and organic-rich samples, swelling of the matrix resulting from adsorption decreased the permeability by about 50% when the pore fluid was scCO2 although this permeability change is largely reversible. In carbonate-rich samples, dissolution of carbonate minerals by carbonic acid irreversibly increased matrix permeability, in some cases by more than one order of magnitude. This dissolution also increases the pressure dependence of permeability apparently due to enhanced mechanical compaction. Despite these trends, we observed no general correlation between mineralogy and the magnitude of the change in permeability with argon before and after exposure to scCO2. Flow of scCO2 through μm-scale cracks appears to play an important role in determining matrix permeability and the pressure dependence of permeability. Extended permeability measurements show that while adsorption is nearly instantaneous and reversible, dissolution is time-dependent, probably owing to reaction kinetics. Our results indicate that the composition and microstructure of matrix flow pathways control both the initial permeability and how permeability changes after interaction with scCO2. Electron microscopy images with Back-Scattered Electron (BSE) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) revealed dissolution and etching of calcite minerals and precipitation of calcium sulfide resulting from exposure to scCO2.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Toward predictive permeabilities: Experimental measurements and multiscale simulation of methanol transport in Nafion

A polymer membrane's permeability to solutes determines its suitability for various applications: a permeability value is essential for predicting performance in diverse contexts. Using aqueous methanol permeation through Nafion as an example, we describe a methodology for determining membrane permeability that accounts for boundary layer effects and the possibility of swelling. For the materials and apparatus used herein, analysis of a permeance measurement and computational fluid dynamics simulations show that the mass transfer boundary layer is on the order of ones to tens of microns. Additionally, the data are used to develop and validate a multiscale model describing solute permeation through a hydrated membrane as a series of physical mechanistic steps: reversible adsorption from solution at the membrane interface, diffusion driven by a concentration gradient within the membrane, and reversible desorption into solution at the opposite membrane interface. The validated model is used to predict methanol transport across a solar-driven CO 2 reduction device and to assess the impact of polymer changes on the measured value. The approach of combining experimental data, computational fluid dynamics, and the mechanistic multiscale model is expected to provide more accurate analysis of membrane permeation data in cases with polymer swelling or unusual device geometries, among others.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2023

Citizen Green #1 Well : Sidewall Core Permeability Studies

This submission includes information on porosity & permeability measurements conducted on sidewall cores from the Citizen Green #1 well drilled on King Island, CA (API 07720688) as part of the WESTCARB partnership basin characterization effort. Cores were acquired with a rotary sidewall tool at a range of depths; only deeper cores were sufficiently consolidated for analysis. SidewallCoreFormationDepthNotes.xls provides details on available samples. Helium porosimetry, air permeability, and brine permeability measurements were conducted on all competent samples (~15). Samples were largely in the Mokelumne, H&T shale, and Starkey formations. All measurements were conducted by Core Laboratories (Bakersfield) on behalf of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) with final reports provided in November of 2012. Further measurements were conducted on some sidewalls with data in other submissions.

pemeability↗
DOE OSTI2020

Hydrate is a Nonwetting Phase in Porous Media

In porous media containing gas hydrate, the hydrate morphology impacts the flow behavior of the fluid phases. We hypothesize that hydrate emplaces itself as a nonwetting phase and use this idea to describe relative permeability of water in a hydrate/water system. We perform steady-state relative permeability measurements in hydrate-bearing samples with a range of hydrate saturation. We measure and compare water relative permeability in the presence of gas and in the presence of hydrate and find that the water relative permeability is the same in both cases. This suggests that (1) relative permeability for hydrate systems can be obtained without performing difficult experiments on hydrate bearing sediments, (2) flow properties are porous-media dependent, and (3) models that assume a fixed pore or tube geometry are inadequate.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Pore-scale visualization of natural hydrate-bearing sediments

Accurate modeling of gas hydrate reservoir productivity and geomechanical risks associated with subsurface dissociation of natural gas hydrates (NGH) requires the determination of model parameters through physical testing on natural hydrate-bearing sediments (HBS). This involves investigating the hydro-mechanical behavior of undisturbed hydrate samples from nature under in situ conditions using pressure core characterization and analysis, which provides a unique opportunity for research. By employing state-of-the-art micro computed tomography imagery on cryogenically preserved, hydrate-bearing sediment samples, we can determine hydrate saturation as well as permeability with and without the presence of hydrates in the sediment. Furthermore, utilizing a machine learning based image segmentation technique, it is possible to extract pore space and grain information. Subsections of the entire image volume were used to determine anisotropic permeabilities using a finite-difference method Stokes solver (FDMSS). Additionally, permeability measurements on whole pressure and temperature preserved hydrate-bearing core were analyzed by utilizing the National Energy Technology Laboratory’s (NETL) Pressure Core Characterization and X-ray CT Visualization Tool (PCXT) to manipulate, cut, and analyze pressure preserved sediment. Permeabilities were measured under a broad range of vertical stress states to simulate expected pressure changes during production scenarios, and the results show that permeabilities derived from images are in agreement with those from traditional core derived experiments. The collected stress-dependent permeability, permeability anisotropy, and corresponding gas hydrate saturations provide valuable input into numerical simulations of reservoir productivity. These properties have been proven to be key parameters determining a long-term reservoir response under depressurization.

Liu, Mengwei [Oak Ridge Institute for Science and ↗
DOE OSTI2021

Permeability Evolution of Fractures in Shale in the Presence of Supercritical CO 2

We experimentally examined the impact of supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO 2 ) on fracture permeability and fracture surface characteristics in shales of various compositions. We measured permeability and fracture normal displacement at different effective stresses using both argon and scCO 2 as pore fluids. Both natural fractures and saw cuts in intact samples were used in our study. The permeability and fracture normal displacement decrease after multiple loading/unloading cycles, apparently as the result of inelastic compaction. In samples with high carbonate content, we observe an increase in permeability and fracture surface degradation after more than 3.5 days of exposure to scCO 2 , apparently due to carbonate dissolution. We demonstrate that the sensitivity of permeability to effective normal stress correlates well with the fracture normal displacement. The dependence of permeability on effective normal stress increases after exposure to scCO 2 as the fracture surface became more compliant.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Experimental and analytical study of the hydrodynamic and single and two-phase convective heat transfer performance of flexible PDMS microchannels with micropillar arrays

Various copper and silicon based thermal management systems are used in the cooling of electronics. However, the rigid nature of these materials along with their high thermal and electrical conductivity pose a difficulty in developing direct contact embedded flexible cooling systems that can offer robust cooling performance. The low density, thermal stability, chemical inertness, and electrical insulation of Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) make it an ideal material to develop lightweight direct contact thermal management systems for electronics. Its ease of fabrication with tunable flexibility provides the opportunity to go beyond traditional electronics and develop advanced active and passive thermal management systems for a wide–range of applications in foldable and wearable electronics, liquid cooling garments, microgravity, and electric motors. In this study, a flexible PDMS based microchannel with micropillar arrays, which enhance the thermal performance of the device through capillary-assisted flow, has been developed. The hydrodynamic and convection heat transfer performance of three PDMS wick pillar geometries, ranging from a porosity of 0.8–0.91, are investigated and compared under single-phase and two-phase conditions. Dielectric coolant FC-3283 is employed and permeability measurements are made for mass fluxes ranging from 53 kg/m 2 s to 369 kg/m 2 s. Given its conformability, the device demonstrates a deviation from Darcy’s Law, within the laminar regime, with an increasing permeability with mass flux at the rate of ~0.5–0.8 Darcy/(kg/m 2 s). A semi-analytical model has been developed and reported to quantify the conformability of the device. The heat transfer performance is experimentally evaluated using the same dielectric fluid for mass flux ranging from 105 kg/m 2 s to 420 kg/m 2 s with heat fluxes ranging from 1.5 W/cm 2 to 16 W/cm 2 . Heat transfer coefficients of up to 7000 W/m 2 K are observed, which are comparable to copper and silicon microchannels. The effect of porosity on the single phase thermal performance has been evaluated against the pumping power to provide a basis for thermal management system design. Finally, high-speed imaging is performed to study the two-phase flow characteristics to provide insight into the vapor formation and removal.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2021

Experimental study correlating damage and permeability in concrete using confined, flattened Brazilian disks

This research experimentally studies coupled hydro-mechanical relationships using flattened Brazilian disks under confinement, with concurrent permeability measurements and acoustic emission monitoring. A series of tests are performed on concrete, as representative samples of brittle geo-materials, under a range of confining stresses between 2.76 and 13.79 MPa. Acoustic emission data is used to quantify damage and identify damage thresholds. Damage is then correlated to pre-peak changes in permeability. The advancement of models that couple transport properties to mechanical responses are of interest in the fields of carbon sequestration, hydrofracking, production of geothermal energy, induced seismicity, and underground nuclear waste storage, and these experiments validate a novel experimental approach towards investigating hydro-mechanical relationships.

Boyce, S.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Citizen Green #1 Well: Quantitative XRD & Thin Section Data

This submission includes information on quantitative x-ray diffraction measurements and thin section photography conducted on sidewall cores from the Citizen Green #1 well drilled on King Island, CA (API 07720688) as part of the WESTCARB partnership basin characterization effort. Cores were acquired with a rotary sidewall tool at a range of depths; only deeper cores were sufficiently consolidated for analysis. SidewallCoreFormationDepthNotes.xls provides details on available samples. Helium porosimetry, air permeability, and brine permeability measurements were conducted on all competent samples (~15). Samples were largely in the Mokelumne, H&T shale, and Starkey formations. All measurements were conducted at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

Thin Section↗
DOE OSTI2023

CO 2 /Brine/Rock Interactions in the Cedar Keys-Lawson Formation

It has been reported that among the various geologic storage options, deep saline aquifers have the largest estimated capacity for CO 2 storage. Obtaining knowledge of possible artificially geochemically induced changes to the permeability and porosity of host CO 2 storage deposits will enable us to gain insight on long-term reservoir behavior under CO 2 storage conditions. An experimental study of the interaction of CO 2 /brine/rock on saline formations was conducted in a static system under CO 2 storage conditions. Chemical interactions in the Cedar Keys-Lawson Formation carbonate during exposure to CO 2 and brine under sequestration conditions were studied. Samples were exposed to the simulated in-situ reaction conditions for one and six months. The samples were exposed to a model brine at 55 °C and CO 2 pressure of 23.8 MPa (3,500 psig). Computed tomography (CT), x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), brine composition, core porosity, and core permeability analyses were conducted prior to and after the exposure experiments. Preliminary permeability measurements obtained from the core samples showed changes after they were exposed to CO 2 -saturated brine for one and six months. This observation suggests that mineral dissolution and mineral precipitation could occur in the host deposit altering its characteristics for CO 2 storage over time. The 3D images of the pore space clearly illustrate the degree of dissolution that occurred during exposure. It is noted that the dissolution that occurred during the six-month exposure could have enhanced the connectivity between voids. This may contribute the increase of permeability after the CO 2 /brine exposure. In addition, the primary minerals comprising the core are dolomite and gypsum. Both minerals could dissolve in the CO 2 /brine environment resulting in the increase of permeability after the six-month exposure.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2026

Fault Slip and Fluid Flow: Seismic Source Analysis to Assess Role of Multiple Slip Patches in Fault Permeability

The relationship between fault reactivation, microearthquakes (MEQs), and permeability evolution during fluid injection plays a critical role in energy harvesting and waste disposal. Recent studies have demonstrated the possibility of predicting fault permeability using cumulative seismic moments of MEQs quantitatively. To understand the underlying physical processes, we conduct fault reactivation experiments using Utah FORGE granitoid and analyze acoustic emission (AE) signals generated during stepwise increases in fluid injection pressure. Frequency analysis of thousands of calibrated AE signals reveals that fault reactivation produces multiple AE source patches with millimeter-scale radii—smaller than the sample fault radius. The cumulative area of the reactivated patches covers the fault multiple times over (∼10x–50x area) for each pressure step. These findings provide mechanistic insight that measured permeability enhancement is not driven by a single large slip event, but by the sequential and interacting activation of multiple slip patches that create a continuous flow pathway.

Nurshal, M. E. M. [Pennsylvania State University, ↗
DOE OSTI2020

Polymer-cement composites with adhesion and re-adhesion (healing) to casing capability for geothermal wellbore applications

Deterioration of cement/casing adhesion in wellbore scenarios can result in unwanted and potentially harmful leakage with the potential of serious repair costs. In this work, we explore the use of self-healing polymers added to conventional wellbore cements as a way to bring about self-healing and readhering (to steel casing) properties to the composite material. The polymers are pH resistant and seem to improve the cement integrity after exposure to typical chemical and thermal stresses encountered under geothermal wellbore conditions. We find that addition of about 10-15 wt% of polymer to the cement visually increases its resistance to fracturing from exposure to geothermal conditions, while the adhesive strength of cement/stainless steel increases with curing time for a period of about 10 days. Self-healing capability was demonstrated by permeability analysis showing that polymer-cement composites reduce flow by 50-70% at cement bulk and at the cement/steel interface. Use of atomistic simulations imply that these polymers have good wetting properties on the steel surfaces. Analysis of the interactions between steel/polymer and cement/polymer show that they are complementary, resulting in a wider range of bonding patterns. Cracks are likely to expose under-coordinated sites that result in more bonding interactions, which agrees well with the permeability measurements showing high degree of healed cracks and healed (cement-steel) interfacial gaps together with an overall increased in structural integrity of these advanced polymer-cement composite materials.

Rod, Kenton A.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Evaluating hydrogen permeation through medium-density and high-density polyethylene pipes to enable a hydrogen-compatible infrastructure

As the United States and the global community pursue energy abundance and resilience, hydrogen is becoming a critical energy carrier. The future of hydrogen transport depends on one thing: verifying that today’s pipelines are hydrogen ready. This study investigates the permeation behavior of medium-density polyethylene (MDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipelines under pure hydrogen gas environment at various pressures and temperatures. Using thermal desorption analysis (TDA) and direct pipe permeability measurements, hydrogen loss rates are quantified, revealing minimal permeation losses (< 10.5 g/km/day) under realistic operating conditions. Effects of temperature and pressure with Standard Dimension Ratios (SDR), were evaluated to determine their influence on permeation rates of MDPE and HDPE pipelines. In addition, ex-situ density and degree of crystallinity (DOC) of MDPE and HDPEs after hydrogen exposure were also investigated to understand pressure-dependency of polymer properties. The findings provide essential data for assessing polymer-based pipeline materials for safe and reliable hydrogen transport.

08 HYDROGEN↗