Permeability measurements inside compaction bands In situ permeability measurements inside compaction bands using X-ray CT and lattice Boltzmann calculations

The paper presents some results of the characterization of microstuctural differences inside and outside compaction bands in natural sandstone. Specimens of Aztec sandstone were scanned at the synchrotron APS, at Argonne National Laboratory (USA). Porosity measurements obtained by image analysis show a sharp transition inside/outside the compaction band. Finally, preliminary permeability measurements were conducted via the lattice Boltzmann method and demonstrate the dramatic decrease in permeability caused by the reduced porosity inside the compaction band relative to the host rock.