The NORMS Laboratory for Reservoir Physics hosts state-of-the-art, bespoke facilities for measuring a range of reservoir properties relevant to flow and transport in the subsurface using intact rock samples and at conditions of elevated temperature and pressure.
Our main focus is on permeable and porous sedimentary rocks that host groundwater in aquifers, act as source rocks and carrier beds for metals and metal transport in sedimentary basins, serve as geothermal resources and targets for subsurface energy storage, and reservoirs for subsurface carbon storage
We have a range of bespoke core holders for conducting flow-through experiments at elevated temperature and pressure and at closed or open conditions to atmosphere. We can measure basic properties such as porosity and permeability, monitor chemical reactions by analysing effluent electrolytes, determine macro-scale zeta potential and other electrical properties, and measure thermal properties such as conductivity. We can also impose electrical potential gradients and determine the coupling between flow and electrokinetic effects. The measurements underpin research into the flow and transport of contaminants such as salt, crude oil and hazardous metals; metals mobilisation and transport in sedimentary basins to form economic deposits; electrokinetic remediation of contaminated aquifers and electrokinetic in-situ resource utilisation; and geothermal reservoir utilisation and subsurface energy storage. They also underpin novel methods for imaging the flow of water and contaminants in freshwater aquifers (Saline Intrusion monitoring using Self Potential - SISP).
Far left: Researchers measuring the zeta potential in intact chalk samples
Left: Discussing the design of our bespoke coreholders for measuring streaming potential and zeta potential in intact rock samples
Selected publications from the NORMS Laboratory
Vinogradov J, Jackson MD, Chamerois M, 2018, Zeta potential in sandpacks: Effect of temperature, electrolyte pH, ionic strength and divalent cations, COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS, Vol: 553, Pages: 259-271, ISSN: 0927-7757
Al Mahrouqi D, Vinogradov J, Jackson MD, 2017, Zeta potential of artificial and natural calcite in aqueous solution, ADVANCES IN COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE, Vol: 240, Pages: 60-76, ISSN: 0001-8686
Al Mahrouqi D, Vinogradov J, Jackson MD, 2016, Temperature dependence of the zeta potential in intact natural carbonates, GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS, Vol: 43, Pages: 11578-11587, ISSN: 0094-8276
Alroudhan A, Vinogradov J, Jackson MD, 2016, Zeta potential of intact natural limestone: Impact of potential-determining ions Ca, Mg and SO4, COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS, Vol: 493, Pages: 83-98, ISSN: 0927-7757
Jackson MD, Al-Mahrouqi D, Vinogradov J, 2016, Zeta potential in oil-water-carbonate systems and its impact on oil recovery during controlled salinity water-flooding, SCIENTIFIC REPORTS, Vol: 6, ISSN: 2045-2322
Jackson MD, Vinogradov J, Hamon G, et al., 2016, Evidence, mechanisms and improved understanding of controlled salinity waterflooding part 1: Sandstones, FUEL, Vol: 185, Pages: 772-793, ISSN: 0016-2361
MacAllister DJ, Jackson MD, Butler AP, et al., 2016, Tidal influence on self-potential measurements, JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SOLID EARTH, Vol: 121, Pages: 8432-8452, ISSN: 2169-9313
Vinogradov J, Jackson MD, 2015, Zeta potential in intact natural sandstones at elevated temperatures, GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS, Vol: 42, Pages: 6287-6294, ISSN: 0094-8276
Leinov E, Jackson MD, 2014, Experimental measurements of the SP response to concentration and temperature gradients in sandstones with application to subsurface geophysical monitoring, JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SOLID EARTH, Vol: 119, Pages: 6855-6876, ISSN: 2169-9313
Jackson MD, Vinogradov J, 2012, Impact of wettability on laboratory measurements of streaming potential in carbonates, COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS, Vol: 393, Pages: 86-95, ISSN: 0927-7757
Vinogradov J, Jackson MD, 2011, Multiphase streaming potential in sandstones saturated with gas/brine and oil/brine during drainage and imbibition, GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS, Vol: 38, ISSN: 0094-8276
Vinogradov J, Jaafar MZ, Jackson MD, 2010, Measurement of streaming potential coupling coefficient in sandstones saturated with natural and artificial brines at high salinity, JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SOLID EARTH, Vol: 115, ISSN: 0148-0227