Influence of mechanical damage on fluid flow patterns investigated using CT scanning imaging and acoustic emissions techniques

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Abstract
In order to get some insight into the influence of mechanical deformation on fluid flow patterns, we performed series of X‐ray CT scanning runs during capillary imbibition experiments to image the water front displacement in Bentheim sandstone samples. A three steps procedure was followed: 1) intact rock samples were tested, 2) the samples were deformed in creep experiments under triaxial conditions with recording of acoustic emissions, 3) the deformed samples experienced a second capillary imbibition test with CT scanning imaging. Using image analysis tools, relevant flow parameters like the height, velocity and curvature of the water front were measured. Stress‐induced damage had a significant impact on the flow patterns. However contrasted results were obtained: localized damage evidenced by acoustic emissions clustering resulted in one experiment in local disturbance of the flow patterns, whereas in the second one a fracture detected by CT scan did not modify the local flow geometry.

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