Analysis of the Tracer Diffusion Phenomena through Cracks in the Porous Media by Means of X-Ray CT

Akira Sato

Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.

DOI: 10.4236/msa.2013.48A003                

Abstract

The migration process of contamination materials in the porous rock mass was visualized and analyzed by X-ray CT image data. In this study, Kimachi sandstone, which had approximately 26% porosity, was used as a rock sample. Here two cases of diffusion phenomena were analyzed. One is the case that solute diffuses into the porous rock mass from the crack surfaces, and it simulates the contamination process of rock mass. Another is the case that the solute diffuses out of the porous rock mass, and it simulates the process that the contamination materials spread from highly contaminated sources. It was found that the diffusion phenomena were clearly visualized by X-ray CT method. By introducing the parameter, coefficient of tracer density increment α, quantitative analysis of tracer density became possible, and the relation between the density distribution of tracer and the crack apertures and the relation between the density distribution and porosity distribution became clear.

Keywords

Porous Rock; Advection; Diffusion; Contamination; Crack; X-Ray CT

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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