CONTACT: Professor Dan Faulkner, faulkner@liverpool.ac.uk
Research Theme
Understanding and quantifying deformation and the evolution of fundamental rock physical properties in the subsurface is of central importance for a wide range of industries such as geothermal energy, carbon capture and underground storage (CCUS), and geological disposal of nuclear waste.
We develop research experimental programs aimed at providing a fundamental understanding of the nature of deformation in the subsurface as well as how key properties such as permeability, porosity, and elasticity evolve. Our unique experimental apparatus simulates subsurface conditions down to the mid-crust. We have a global academic reputation as well as innovative technical developments that allow us to design bespoke experimental approaches to geomechanical problems.
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. We have worked on the physical and chemical consequences of fluid injection into the subsurface identifying changes in caprock permeability related to carbon dioxide injection, the nature of induced seismicity with pore fluid pressure variations, and evolution of fracture networks with pressure, temperature, and chemical dissolution and precipitation.
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 John Wheeler works with experimentalists to interpret rock deformation processes in terms of explanatory numerical models and microstructural evolution. He has been Principal and Co-Investigator on Liverpool projects and works with other laboratories to explore more extreme conditions, particularly those in the Mantle Transition Zone.
Dr Elisabetta Mariani, Director of SEM SRF and internationally recognised expert in Earth materials microstructure and mineralogy research. She has over 20 years of experience in quantitative microscopy using electron backscatter diffraction and is currently focussed on Critical Minerals research, addressing major environmental and global supply chain challenges.
Dr David McNamara, Deputy Director of SEM SRF with a specific research focus on hydrothermal alteration and vein mineralogy that is applicable to understanding the mineralisation processes in geothermal resources, carbon sequestration and mineral processes controlling critical materials development.
Dr Emma Michie is a researcher with key experience working with industry. Her research focus is on fault behaviour targeting the energy transition, specifically fault seals, and is actively working towards developing a predictive algorithm for carbonate fault seal potential.
Facilities and Expertise
We have one of the largest experimental rock deformation laboratories worldwide.
We have four triaxial deformation apparatus, designed and built at the University of Liverpool, that can confine rocks up to 250 MPa (~12 km depth) with independent servo-control of the pore-fluid pressure up to 200 MPa. A range of different pore fluids can be used, from argon and water to reactive pore fluid.
We can perform deformation experiments at temperatures up to 750°C. Strength, permeability, porosity evolution, and static and dynamic elastic properties can be measured on solid cores, and frictional strength, frictional stability (rate and state friction parameters), permeability, and porosity during shear of simulated fault gouges.
We have one hydrostatic apparatus with confining pressure and pore pressure up to 200 MPa with permeability and ultrasonic wave velocity measurements.
These apparatus are supported by a range of ancillary equipment for sample preparation and analysis such as helium pycnometry, BET surface area analysis, and tensile strength testing.
In partnership with: Joint Infrastructure Project (JIP) with BP, Equinor and Sonatrach
Challenge
To understand the likelihood of carbon dioxide leakage from In Salah carbon capture and storage project, Algeria
Solution
Core samples of the caprocks were collected to establish the evolution of permeability during changing physical and chemical conditions during injection of carbon dioxide.
Impact
Permeability enhancement around wellbores from the altered stress field and from thermal shock of fluid injection was quantified. It was demonstrated, for the first time, that rapid geochemical interaction could result in significant permeability increases.