Rock fabric, pore geometry and mineralogy effects on water transport in fractured dolostones

摘要: Abstract The combined influence of rock fabric, pore geometry and mineralogy (petrological parameters) on transport properties in complex heterogeneous naturally fractured rocks was studied experimentally. As fissure quantification has rarely been addressed most theoretical studies properties, emphasis placed the effects both non-saturated media (capillary rise) saturated (permeability). We proved that prediction is not guaranteed by estimation classic micro-structural variables considered literature accurate can only be attained when petrological parameters are first quantified depth, then combined. Principal component analysis regression models proposed here clearly demonstrated one hand that, a meaningful porous network must modelled with combination different geometrical capillary tubes representing matrix (cylindrical) (rectangular prism) other hand, well-in-deep size enabled more permeability to made. experimental data confirm its anisotropy closely dependent typology, textural characteristics, spatial distribution whole fabric elements. Enlarged-fissures weakly exert suction due retarding effect gravitational forces, but they vital controlling permeability. Cracklebreccias small clasts, high dolomite cement content inter-clast density exhibit strong suction. However, calcite produces abnormally low rates rise, possible surface contamination, together contact angle effect. Good agreement between geometric factors provided suitable basis for identifying preferred permeable directions. Additionally, we found critical which defined isotropic also present new practical simple linear model relating capillarity meaningfully easily estimated parameters. Results obtained study correct identification use directly related modelling properties. Moreover, these results using multivariate considerably demanding compared conventional approaches.