Effect of Heating Rate on Thermally Induced Pore Water Pressure and Crack Evolution in Clay and Shales

Date
2024-01-19
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Abstract
This thesis investigates the hydrothermal behavior of clay shale samples, with a specific emphasis on how heating rates influence temperature distribution and the evolution of pore pressure under elevated temperatures. Clay shales, characterized by their extensive geological presence and low hydraulic conductivity, carry immense importance across a wide array of applications, including their pivotal role as caprock in oil and gas reservoirs, geological storage of carbon dioxide, and nuclear waste storage. Ensuring the integrity of clay shale barriers is of paramount concern, as any compromise in their stability can lead to unintended releases of undesirable substances into potable water zones above or even onto the ground surface, potentially resulting in catastrophic consequences. The fundamental objective of this study revolves around gaining insights into clay shales response to heightened thermal loading and the potential excess pore fluid pressure generation. The research establishes a robust foundation by thoroughly investigating characteristics and material properties of clay shale and their dependencies on temperature. To achieve these objectives, the study employs FLAC3D software to conduct simulations on a three-dimensional cylindrical clay shale specimen utilizing an isotropic thermo-elastic model, subjecting it to temperatures of up to 600°C at varying heating rates. Additionally, the research explores the interacting coupled effect of hydraulic and thermal diffusion, employing a series of numerical simulations to shed light on this intricate relationship. Furthermore, this research investigates the integration of cutting-edge Machine Learning (ML) and Computer Vision (CV) techniques to enhance the precision, efficiency, and accuracy of thermal crack detection, localization, and segmentation. This innovative approach aims to overcome the challenges associated with visually identifying and analyzing thermal cracks, including the time-consuming nature of these endeavors and the potential for human errors.
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Keywords
Thermo hydro mechanical analysis, Clay shale, Heating rate, High temperature, Thermal crack
Citation
Faghihinia, M. (2024). Effect of heating rate on thermally induced pore water pressure and crack evolution in clay and shales (Master's/Doctoral thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.