The evolution of paleo-porosity in basalts: reversing pore filling mechanisms using X-ray Computed Tomography

A. Macente, K. J. Dobson, J. MacDonald, F. B. Wadsworth, J. Vasseur

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)
65 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Often carrying a high-volume fraction of vesicles, basaltic rocks can be an important reservoir horizon in petroleum systems, and are considered an excellent candidate for CO 2 storage by in situ mineral trapping. The frequency of amygdaloidal basalts in many sequences highlights the prevalence of mineralisation, but when the vesicle network has been filled, the basalts can act as impermeable seals and traps. Characterising the spatial and temporal evolution of the porosity and permeability is critical to understanding the petro-physical properties and CO 2 storage potential of basalts. We exploit X-ray computed tomography (XCT) to investigate the precipitation history of an amygdaloidal basalt containing a pore-connecting micro fracture network now partially filled by calcite as an analogue for CO 2 mineral trapping in a vesicular basalt. The fracture network likely represents a preferential pathway for CO 2-rich fluids during mineralisation. We investigate and quantify the evolution of basalt porosity and permeability during pore-filling calcite precipitation by applying novel numerical erosion techniques to “back-strip” the calcite from the amygdales and fracture networks. We provide a semi-quantitative technique for defining reservoir potential and quality through time and understanding sub-surface flow and storage. We found that permeability evolution is dependent on the precipitation mechanism and rates, as well as on the presence of micro fracture networks, and that once the precipitation is sufficient to close off all pores, permeability reaches values that are controlled by the micro fracture network. These results prompt further studies to determine CO 2 mineral trapping mechanisms in amygdaloidal basalts as analogues for CO 2 injections in basalt formations.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)697-717
Number of pages21
JournalTransport in Porous Media
Volume145
Issue number3
Early online date19 Oct 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 31 Dec 2022

Keywords

  • porosity
  • basalt
  • X-ray tomography
  • CO2
  • CO2 sequestration

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The evolution of paleo-porosity in basalts: reversing pore filling mechanisms using X-ray Computed Tomography'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this