14th Euroconference on Rock Physics and Rock Mechanics

A new triaxial test system for imaging deformation and transport of

fluids using x-rays or neutron tomography

Fernando Vieira Lima1, Dr. Stephen Hall1, Dr. Jonas Engqvist1, Dr. Erika Tudisco1, Dr. Robin
Woracek2
1
Lund University, 2ESS - European Spallation Source

Keywords: neutrons CT, x-ray CT, coupled hydromechanics, rock mechanics, triaxial
test

Abstract:

A better understanding of localized deformation and its effect on rock permeability is

essential for distinct fields. Recent advances in 3D imaging with x-rays or neutrons have
made it possible to take a step further on this issue. However, due to technical restrictions,
previous experiments exploiting x-ray or neutron imaging during rock deformation tests
have largely been limited to low confining pressures, small samples or softer
geomaterials. This work discusses the design of a new triaxial test system for imaging
deformation and transport of fluids using x-rays or neutron tomography. New
understanding on coupled hydromechanical behaviour can be obtained by applying
exploring hydromechanical processes over a range of confinement pressures and
exploiting the difference in neutron attenuation between water and heavy water.
To develop a triaxial cell for the described purpose, some special issues had to be
addressed during the design. Firstly, the walls of the triaxial cell must be as thin as
possible, to guarantee the necessary transparency to x-rays and neutrons whilst also
withstanding pressures of >30 MPa. Furthermore, the cell's size and shape should allow
it to be placed as close as possible to the x-ray/neutron detectors. 3D finite element
modelling was performed using Ansys software (Figure 1a). The material selected for the
cell was Aluminium 7075-T6 alloy, which allowed the wall thickness to be set at 6 mm.
The final configuration implies an expected transmission of 43% for 80 keV x-rays and
87% for 12.3 meV neutrons with a global safety factor of 2.85.
A portable load frame with its own rotary table has been implemented into the system to
enable the application of high axial loads during rotation. Also, a fluid slip-ring base
(Figure 1b) allows the rigid tubes for the confining pressure and flow system to remain
static during the rotation of the cell during tomography. Viton membranes and heavy water

14
14th Euroconference on Rock Physics and Rock Mechanics

for confining fluid were chosen, taking into account the neutron transparency requirement.
To ensure the desired boundary conditions, special platens have been designed to
uniformly transmit the load and allow a homogeneous fluid flow. An inhouse flow system
has been adapted to allow a switch of the flushed fluids from H 2O to D2O such that the
infiltration front between the fluids can be tracked in neutron tomography images. The cell
has been tested at up to 45 MPa without damage or leakage. Furthermore, as a proof of
the imaging concept, X-ray tomography images of a sample of Idaho Gray sandstone in
-d) that
permits individual grains to be identified.

Figure 1: Triaxial Cell (a) FEM Model (b) Photo (c) (d) X-ray CT Images

15