Quantifying the Permeability Enhancement from Blast-Induced Microfractures in Porphyry Rocks Using a Cumulant Lattice Boltzmann Method

Abstract The permeability of rocks is important in a range geoscientific applications, including $$\hbox {CO}_{2}$$ CO 2 sequestration, geothermal energy extraction, and situ mineral recovery. This work presents an investigation the change porphyry rock samples due to blast-induced fracturing. Two were analysed before after exposure stress waves induced by detonation explosive charge. Micro-computed tomography was used image interior at pixel resolution $$10.3\,\mu m$$ 10.3 ? m . images segmented into void, matrix, grain help quantify differences samples. Following this, they binarised as void or solid cumulant lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) applied simulate flow fluid through connected space. A correction required with use inlet outlet reservoirs computational assessment also proposed. Interrogation steady-state field allowed pre- post-loading be extracted. Conclusions then drawn effectiveness blasting for enhancing accessibility via generation microfractures matrix within vicinity detonated paper makes contributions three fundamental areas relating numerical enhancement low-porosity rocks. Firstly, factor proposed account commonly imposed on digitised when investigating sample methods. Secondly, it validates benefits LBM handling complex geometries that would intractable conventional dynamics methods require body-fitted meshing. done novel implementation open-source TCLB code. Finally, improvement low-permeability shown multiple regions two blasted It found loading can generate extended results orders magnitude if target possesses existing weaknesses and/or mineralisation.