CONTACT: Professor Dan Faulkner, faulkner@liverpool.ac.uk
Research Theme
Safe geological disposal of nuclear waste must involve a detailed understanding of the nature and heterogeneity of the stratigraphic horizons, the deformation induced by the excavation of a geological disposal facility and associated changes in rock properties, as well as the long-term evolution with changing environmental conditions.
We have worked, and continue to work, with wide range of external organizations on collaborative projects focused on providing key insight into issues facing new industries in the energy transition sector and environmental change.
We apply cutting-edge research approaches and facilities to solve real-work problems and to generate a fundamental understanding of the processes that can affect the viability of subsurface geological disposal of nuclear waste.
Research Team
Professor Daniel Faulkner, Professor in Geology & Geophysics and a world expert in geomechanics and the application of rock property testing to resource characterisation and modelling who also specialises in the design of bespoke laboratory equipment.
Professor Richard Worden [stratigraphy and diagenesis]
Dr Rachel Smedley is a geochronologist, specialising in luminescence dating and manages the University of Liverpool Luminescence Laboratory with a focus on long-term environmental changes in order to understand ice-climate interactions.
Facilities and Expertise
We have extensive expertise in identifying and quantifying stratigraphic and lithological heterogeneity through field studies, novel optical and electron microscopy techniques, X-ray diffractometry, X-ray tomography, Raman spectroscopy, and BET surface area measurement. We characterize the long-term uplift that a geological disposal facility might undergo due to post-glacial rebound.
Rock Deformation Laboratory
We model the deformation surrounding cavities and measure the evolution of rock physical properties including strength and permeability under simulated subsurface conditions.
Diagenesis Laboratory
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Liverpool Luminescence Laboratory
A world-class purpose-built facility for preparation and analysis of samples for luminescence dating techniques to determine timings of sediment deposition or exposure.
Scanning Electron Microscopy Shared Research Facility
Application of electron microscopy techniques to study advanced and natural materials, with integrated workflows to other state-of-the-art microscopy techniques.
Understanding gas transport properties in mudstone
In partnership with: Nuclear Waste Services (NWS)
Challenge
To understand the gas transport properties of the Mercia Mudstone Group (UK) for nuclear waste storage.
Solution
Core samples of highly variable Mercia Mudstone Group were collected for permeability measurements under simulated geological disposal conditions (pressure and temperature) to identify the contribution of advective and diffusional flow of gas through the Mercia Mudstone.
Impact
This current project is underway and will produce results that will facilitate modelling of gas transport surrounding a geological disposal facility over the timescale of several thousand years.