Thermal Conductivity of Some Sedimentary Rocks

Thermal conductivity or heat flow studies in geological studies currently become the
significant interest of the oil and gas industry. These studies provided the initial
estimation and indications on maturity of reservoir rocks thus provide better
understanding of the reservoir. Thermal conductivity is not the same for any path flow.
The ability to conduct heat depends on rock mineralogy and porosity. There are no
specific values which can characterize thermal conductivity of a rock. Although several
studies had been conducted on this particular subject, there is still lack of information
on the variation of thermal conductivity value. The objective of this study is to evaluate
and estimate the optimal number of samples required to characterize the thermal
conductivity of the samples. The relationship between thermal conductivity and rock
properties is also observed in this study. Several samples of argillaceous materials were
selected from Batu Gajah area in Perak for this study. Experimental works for thermal
conductivity are conducted using Needle Probe Method. All data obtained from the
experiment are statistically analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science
(SPSS17) to reveal the variations of thermal conductivity. Samples properties were
verified using X•Ray Diffraction, X•Ray Fluorescence, Scanning Electron Microscope,
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Mercury Porosity meter, Total Organic
Content and thin section. The fmding shows that thermal conductivity varies for
different faces of each sample which are either parallel or perpendicular to the assumed
bedding plane. The samples qualitative analysis suggests that each sample have
different fabric in terms of particles size, particle orientation, mineralogy, porosity,
TOC and relative permeability. Therefore, as a conclusion, thermal conductivity
variation of some rocks is found to be affected by the heterogeneity of its fabric
characteristics.