Research Projects:

Effects of Coupled Processes on Fracture Response in Enhaced Geothermal Systems

As the injected geothermal fluid interacts with the reservoir rock in an Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS), it triggers coupled Thermal-Hydro-Mechanical-Chemical (THMC) processes. Change in fracture aperture and permeability due to coupled THMC processes could significantly affect the EGS production. We are conducting laboratory experiments on geothermal reservoir specimens at reservoir conditions to investigate how the coupled processes affect the fracture aperture and permeability evolution , and to improve the predictive capability of existing models using well-constrained experimental laboratory data.
     Test Column        CT images                 
Kamali-Asl, A., Ghazanfari, E., Perdrial, N., Bredice, N. (2018). Experimental Study of Fracture Response in Granite Specimens Subjected to Hydrothermal Conditions Relevant for Enhanced Geothermal Systems. Geothermics 72 (2018) 205–224.

Caulk, R., Ghazanfari, E., Perdrial, J., Perdrial, N. (2016). "Experimental Investigation of Fracture Aperture and Permeability Change within Enhanced Geothermal Systems". Journal of Geothermics, 62 (2016) 12–21

Evaluation of Energy Pile Performance using Numerical Methods

The initial geothermal energy pile design controls the heat transfer and thermal stresses associated with the thermal soil-structure interaction for the lifespan of the foundation. We are using numerical modeling (COMSOL) calibrated with field data to gain more insight into long-term thermal storage and stress mobilization within active energy piles.
Energy Pile   Temperature
Caulk, R., Ghazanfari, E., McCartnery, J. (2016) "Parameterization of a Calibrated Geothermal Energy Pile Model". Journal of Geomechanics for Energy and the Environment, 5 (2016) 1-15

Caulk, R., McCartney, J., Ghazanfari, E. (2014), "Calibration of a Geothermal Energy Pile Model", COMSOL Conference, Boston, MA, 2014

Geomechanical Characterization of Marcellus Shale Specimens

We are conducting laboratory experiments on Marcellus shale specimens to investigate the geo-mechanical effects on short-term (i.e. effect on fracturing mechanism) and long-term (i.e. effect on transport properties and production) behavior of these formations. Elasto-plastic, yielding, failure, and anisotropy evolution response of Marcellus shale specimens are investigated as a function of pressure, temperature, and bedding angle through a series of hydrostatic and triaxial experiments (single and multi-stage) using high pressure/temperature servo controlled trixial system (Autolab 1500). Additional characterization includes mineralogy, porosity, and fabric through thin section and X-Ray CT imaging technique.
Strain Gauges  Strain Plot

Villamor, R., Ghazanfari, E., Asanza, E. (2016) "Geomechanical Characterization of Marcellus Shale". Journal of  Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, Vol. 49, Issue 9, pp 3403–3424
 
Villamor Lora, R., Ghazanfari, E. (2014), "Geomechanical Characterization of Shale Formations for Sustainable Production", ASCE Shale Energy Engineering Conference, Pittsburgh, PA, 2014

Application of Electrokinetics in Subsurface Energy

Electrically Enhanced Oil Recovery (EEOR) is a new technique that has great potential in resource recovery specifically in heavy oil reservoirs. We are conducting laboratory investigation on natural and synthetic cores to understand the effect of petro-physical characteristics of formation (i.e., pore structure, constitutive relationships) on flow characteristics and important parameters affecting oil recovery in clay rich formations. We are also developing a mathematical model to predict the two-phase flow under applied hydraulic and electric gradients based on the petro-physical properties of the formation and the physical/chemical properties of the crude oil.
EEOR test cells   Flow back treatment

Peraki, M., Ghazanfari, E., Pinder, G.F., (2018). "Investigation of the Feasibility of Crude Oil Viscosity Change Under Applied Electrical Field in Porous Media and Its Significance for Transport Phenomena". Journal of Porous Media, (Accepted for publication)

Peraki, M., Ghazanfari, E., Pinder, G.F., Harrington, T.L. (2016) "Electrodialysis: An Application for the Environmental Protection in Shale-gas Extraction". Journal of  Separation and Purification, Vol. 161, pp 96–103

Peraki, M., Ghazanfari, E. (2014), "Electrodialysis Treatment of Flow-back Water for Environmental Protection in Shale Gas Development", ASCE Shale Energy Eng. Conference, Pittsburgh, PA, 2014

Reliability of Stiffness Measurement in Intelligent Compaction

We are identifying the field Quality Assurance (QA) techniques currently available for intelligent compaction to establish QA parameters, evaluating the degree of uncertainty associated with IC measurement values using available data and laboratory experiments, and planning field tests  in collaboration with Vermont Agency of Transportation.

IC
Source (BOMAG)

Stiffness Characterization of Extraterrestrial Regolith using Geophysical Techniques

We are investigating the suitability of the existing geophysical methods for stiffness characterization of extraterrestrial (Lunar and Martian) regolith, and performing necessary modifications for adaptation of these techniques.
Mars
Source (NASA)