A Probe Method for Measuring In Situ Rock Thermophysical Properties

by G. Danko, Univ of Nevada, Reno, United States,
P. Mousset-Jones, Univ of Nevada, Reno, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: High Level Radioactive Waste Management 1991

Abstract:

The application of a thermal probe method for in situ thermophysical property measurement is analyzed. The REKA method (Rapid Evaluation of k and alpha) involves a single-borehole probe with a heater and a temperature measurement section. A quasi-spherical temperature field is created by the heater, and temperatures are measured at different distances and at regular time intervals. The measurement evaluation provides values for both conductivity (k) and diffusivity (alpha), as well as the spatial variation of these properties along the probe length. The method has been tested in the laboratory and three underground mines, under different stress, saturation and hydrology conditions. Results to date show that the REKA method using controlled temperatures can be applied in either dry or wet conditions, the precision of the in situ measurement can exceed laboratory accuracy, and one measurement can be completed in 1-4 days.

Subject Headings: Temperature measurement | Probe instruments | Thermal properties | Field tests | Rock properties | Rock mechanics | Temperature distribution

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