Laboratory
The major goal of the Rock Physics laboratory at Stanford University is to enhance our understanding of the physics of reservoir rocks. The presence of natural and/or anthropogenic fluids permeating the rock may also cause a combination of physical and chemical processes such as dissolution and precipitation. Therefore, our program has been recently enriched with novel research topics aiming at understanding the physicochemistry of rocks and its signatures on the measured properties.
The laboratory studies of rock properties are conducted under pressures and temperatures to simulate conditions deep in the earth. The lab is equipped with state-of-the-art instruments to measure porosity, permeability, and the ultrasonic P- and S-wave velocities in soft and stiff rocks under confining, pore pressure, and temperature conditions. Injection of pore fluids includes both liquids and gasses under pressures as high as 50 MPa.
The experimental program directed by Dr. Tiziana Vanorio brings together a team consisting of a laboratory assistant (Yael Ebert), a post-doctoral researcher (Stephanie Vialle), and three PhD students (Danica Dralus, Adam Tew, and Kevin Wolf), and a freshmen student (Xi Li).
Research Topics and Laboratory Activities
Acoustic Properties of Bitumen sands
The HP-HT Acoustic System
Rock Physical Chemistry and 4D Seismic Monitoring
- The Effect of rock dissolution on the Acoustic Properties of Rocks upon injection of CO2-rich fluids
- The effect of rock precipitation on the transport and acoustic properties of rocks upon CO2 injection
- 4D CT-scan and SEM imaging of rocks upon injection (in collaboration with Ingrain Inc., Texas)
- The effect of CO2 absorption onto zeolite-rich rocks on Acoustic Properties
The Rock Physics Properties of the Opal-CT to Quartz Phase Transition
Carbonate Rock Physics
Resistivity Properties of Rocks
The HP-HT Resistivity System