Accurate thermal conductivity measurement of Java and Sumatra rock samples using time varying heat flow measurement

Abstract

Thermal conductivity is an important parameter for many applications, including having an essential role in the thermal history reconstruction of a petroleum system. This paper will present an accurate methodology of rock’s thermal conductivity measurement by time-varying heat flow. The thermal conductivity measurements were done to various lithologies of rock samples from Java and Sumatra, including mud from Purwodadi Bledug Kuwu mudflow. The collected sample cover many lithologies, such as Limestone, Volcanic, Shale, Coal, and Sand.Particular measurement of time-varying heat flow has been designed and applied to various samples. The equipment consists temperature sensors, heat source, heat measurement and data recorder. The measurement results show that the thermal conductivity of shale rocks ranges from 0.414-2.749 J / s.m.°C, sandstone 0.931-2.748 J / s.m.°C, coal 0.353 J / s.m.°C whereas limestone carbonate is 0.92-6.86 J / s.m.°C. The thermal conductivity of each type of rock is unique, even for the same rock’s lithology may have different values. The thermal conductivity parameter is influenced by the particle size distribution, pore parameter including pore shape or pore structure, fracture parameter of rock, and even the fluid or water content in the rock pores.