Abstract
Electropulse stimulation is a method to fracture rock using a series of high voltage pulses. Particularly effective for hard rocks, these techniques can be combined with, or substituted for, more traditional approaches to drilling and excavation. Energy consumption and wear and tear are reduced, thereby reducing overall costs. However, the coupled physical processes involved in electropulse stimulation remain poorly described, inhibiting the advancement of these new technologies.
Here, we present results from new experimental and numerical studies investigating electropulse stimulation of hard rock. The numerical model simulates electrical breakdown in the rock, the discharge of the pulse, and the effects on the rock at the grain scale. The model's performance is demonstrated by simulating the response of a granite sample to a series of different applied electric pulses. Results from high voltage experiments are also presented and compared to the numerical simulation. We discuss how the model and experimental results highlight the importance of the microporosity and grain size distribution in determining the efficacy of the electropulse treatment.
Here, we present results from new experimental and numerical studies investigating electropulse stimulation of hard rock. The numerical model simulates electrical breakdown in the rock, the discharge of the pulse, and the effects on the rock at the grain scale. The model's performance is demonstrated by simulating the response of a granite sample to a series of different applied electric pulses. Results from high voltage experiments are also presented and compared to the numerical simulation. We discuss how the model and experimental results highlight the importance of the microporosity and grain size distribution in determining the efficacy of the electropulse treatment.
| Original language | English |
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| Number of pages | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - 2019 |
| Event | Fall Meeting of the American-Geophysical-Union 2019 - San Francisco, United States of America Duration: 9 Dec 2019 → 13 Dec 2019 https://www.agu.org/fall-meeting |
Conference
| Conference | Fall Meeting of the American-Geophysical-Union 2019 |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | AGU 2019 |
| Country/Territory | United States of America |
| City | San Francisco |
| Period | 9/12/19 → 13/12/19 |
| Internet address |
