Research & Consultancy

Fluid migration and cemention of rocks

Cementation of pores and fractures may have significant impact on the mechanical properties of reservoir rocks and the migration of subsurface fluids such hydrocarbons, sequestered CO2 or geothermal waters. Secondary mineral phases in pores and fractures can also significantly reduce the durability of constructions such as road surfaces.  We contribute with our expertise, based on analytical and experimental techniques.

Rock Assessment for Reservoir Utilization

Our research focuses on transport- and cementation processes through fractures and pores in rocks. We carry out experiments using self-designed machines, coupled with detailed field- and analytical work, in order to develop predictive tools for reactive transport processes. Rock analyses include stable and radiogenic isotope analyses to infer the fluid source, fluid inclusions to establish the p-T conditions and fluid chemistry during cementation, as well as optical microscopy, cathodoluminescence  and SEM studies. Our experiments result in rate laws which can be integrated into predictive modeling tools.

Further information can be obtained from the Chair of Structural Geology, Applied Geosciences at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) University and from Technology Transfer Unit TTE Reservoir-Geology, KIT Campus Transfer (KCT) GmbH, Karlsruhe, Germany.