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Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering 2024, 12(1): 4-15 https://doi.org/10.26599/JGSE.2024.9280002
Original Article | Open Access | Issue | Published: 15 March 2024

Characterization of rock thermophysical properties and factors affecting thermal conductivity−A case study of Datong Basin, China

Show Author's Information Meng-lei Ji1,  Shuai-chao Wei1,2( ),  Wei Zhang1,2,  Feng Liu1,2,3,  Yu-zhong Liao1,2,  Ruo-xi Yuan1,2,  Xiao-xue Yan1,2,  Long Li1
Institute of Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Shijiazhuang 050061, China
Technology Innovation Center of Geothermal & Hot Dry Rock Exploration and Development, Ministry of Natural Resources, Shijiazhuang 050061, China
China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
Keywords:
Thermal diffusivity, Influencing factors, Datong Basin, Rock thermal conductivity, Specific heat capacity
Cite this article:
Ji M-l, Wei S-c, Zhang W, et al. Characterization of rock thermophysical properties and factors affecting thermal conductivity−A case study of Datong Basin, China. Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 2024, 12(1): 4-15. https://doi.org/10.26599/JGSE.2024.9280002
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Abstract Full text About this article

Rock thermal physical properties play a crucial role in understanding deep thermal conditions, modeling the thermal structure of the lithosphere, and discovering the evolutionary history of sedimentary basins. Recent advancements in geothermal exploration, particularly the identification of high-temperature geothermal resources in Datong Basin, Shanxi, China, have opened new possibilities. This study aims to characterize the thermal properties of rocks and explore factors influencing thermal conductivity in basins hosting high-temperature geothermal resources. A total of 70 groups of rock samples were collected from outcrops in and around Datong Basin, Shanxi Province. Thermal property tests were carried out to analyze the rock properties, and the influencing factors of thermal conductivity were studied through experiments at different temperature and water-filled states. The results indicate that the thermal conductivity of rocks in Datong, Shanxi Province, typically ranges from 0.690 W/(m·K) to 6.460 W/(m·K), the thermal diffusion coefficient ranges from 0.441 mm2/s to 2.023 mm2/s, and the specific heat capacity of the rocks ranges from 0.569 KJ/(kg·°C) to 1.117 KJ/(kg·°C). Experimental results reveal the impact of temperature and water saturation on the thermal conductivity of the rock. The thermal conductivity decreases with increasing temperature and rises with high water saturation. A temperature correction formula for the thermal conductivity of different lithologies in the area is proposed through linear fitting. The findings from this study provide essential parameters for the assessment and prediction, development, and utilization of geothermal resources in the region and other basins with typical high-temperature geothermal resource.


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About this article

Characterization of rock thermophysical properties and factors affecting thermal conductivity−A case study of Datong Basin, China

Show Author's information Meng-lei Ji1, Shuai-chao Wei1,2( ), Wei Zhang1,2, Feng Liu1,2,3, Yu-zhong Liao1,2, Ruo-xi Yuan1,2, Xiao-xue Yan1,2, Long Li1
Institute of Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Shijiazhuang 050061, China
Technology Innovation Center of Geothermal & Hot Dry Rock Exploration and Development, Ministry of Natural Resources, Shijiazhuang 050061, China
China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China

Abstract

Rock thermal physical properties play a crucial role in understanding deep thermal conditions, modeling the thermal structure of the lithosphere, and discovering the evolutionary history of sedimentary basins. Recent advancements in geothermal exploration, particularly the identification of high-temperature geothermal resources in Datong Basin, Shanxi, China, have opened new possibilities. This study aims to characterize the thermal properties of rocks and explore factors influencing thermal conductivity in basins hosting high-temperature geothermal resources. A total of 70 groups of rock samples were collected from outcrops in and around Datong Basin, Shanxi Province. Thermal property tests were carried out to analyze the rock properties, and the influencing factors of thermal conductivity were studied through experiments at different temperature and water-filled states. The results indicate that the thermal conductivity of rocks in Datong, Shanxi Province, typically ranges from 0.690 W/(m·K) to 6.460 W/(m·K), the thermal diffusion coefficient ranges from 0.441 mm2/s to 2.023 mm2/s, and the specific heat capacity of the rocks ranges from 0.569 KJ/(kg·°C) to 1.117 KJ/(kg·°C). Experimental results reveal the impact of temperature and water saturation on the thermal conductivity of the rock. The thermal conductivity decreases with increasing temperature and rises with high water saturation. A temperature correction formula for the thermal conductivity of different lithologies in the area is proposed through linear fitting. The findings from this study provide essential parameters for the assessment and prediction, development, and utilization of geothermal resources in the region and other basins with typical high-temperature geothermal resource.

Keywords: Thermal diffusivity, Influencing factors, Datong Basin, Rock thermal conductivity, Specific heat capacity

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Publication history

Received: 05 May 2023
Accepted: 19 November 2023
Published: 15 March 2024
Issue date: March 2024

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2305-7068/© 2024 Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering Editorial Office

Acknowledgements

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the Geothermal Survey Project of the China Geological Survey (Grant No. DD20221676), the Shanxi Geoscience Think Tank Development Fund 2023–001 and Basic Research Operations Project of the Institute of Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences (SK202212).

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This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0)

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