Development and characterization of synthetic rock-like materials for drilling and geomechanics experiments

Zhang, Zhen (2017) Development and characterization of synthetic rock-like materials for drilling and geomechanics experiments. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

The Drilling Technology Laboratory (DTL) have been investigating relationships between vibrations and Rate of Penetration (ROP) using real sedimentary rocks and synthetic rocks for years. However, identical sedimentary rock samples are not easy to obtain in local area (onshore area of eastern Newfoundland). Therefore, this research is focusing on developing synthetic rocks as a substitute for real sedimentary rocks and characterizing petroleum related physical properties of synthetic rocks. These Rock-Like Materials (RLM) are essentially fine grained concretes based on the use of Portland Cement, fine aggregate, water and related admixtures which can meet the research requirements. A new approach has been proposed by Prasad (2009) [1] to describe drillability of rocks in a quantitative way with eight parameters which include density, porosity, compressional and shear wave velocities, unconfined compressive strength, Mohr friction angle, mineralogy and grain size. this method is adopted and modified in this research to be suitable for synthetic rocks developed previously. The eight parameters tests are conducted in the drilling technology lab to characterize the properties of the synthetic rocks and to provide the basis for the future work. In this research, standard procedures of making concrete (synthetic rocks) and standard procedures of eight parameters tests have been established with quality assurance.

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