Experimental investigation of quenching effect on mechanical, microstructural and flow characteristics of reservoir rocks: Thermal stimulation method for geothermal energy extraction

Abstract

Thermal stimulation method can be effectively utilized to enhance the flow performance in the tight porous media with an induced thermal shock. This approach can be applied to many deep geo-engineering applications including geothermal energy extraction. In this regard, understanding the flow-mechanical behaviour of reservoir rock during and after thermal stimulation is necessary for safe and effective stimulation process. The aim of this study is, therefore to investigate the quenching effect on mechanical and flow behaviour of Australian Strathbogie granite by conducting a series of micro and macro-experiments. Experiments were conducted by profiling the micro-structure of rock with CT sca..