A technique for estimating one-dimensional diffusion coefficients in low-permeability sedimentary rock using X-ray radiography: Comparison with through-diffusion measurements

The measurement of diffusive properties of low-permeability rocks is of interest to the nuclear power industry, which is considering the option of deep geologic repositories for management of radioactive waste. We present a simple, non-destructive, constant source in-diffusion method for estimating one-dimensional pore diffusion coefficients (Dp) in geologic materials based on X-ray radiography. Changes in X-ray absorption coefficient (Δμ) are used to quantify changes in relative concentration (C/C0) of an X-ray attenuating iodide tracer as the tracer solution diffuses through the rock pores. Estimated values of Dp are then obtained by fitting an analytical solution to the measured concentration profiles over time. Measurements on samples before and after saturation with iodide can also be used to determine iodide-accessible porosity (ϕI). To evaluate the radiography method, results were compared with traditional steady-state through-diffusion measurements on two rock types: shale and limestone. Values of Dp of (4.8 ± 2.5) × 10− 11 m2·s− 1 (mean ± standard deviation) were measured for samples of Queenston Formation shale and (2.6 ± 1.0) × 10− 11 m2·s− 1 for samples of Cobourg Formation limestone using the radiography method. The range of results for each rock type agree well with Dp values of (4.6 ± 2.0) × 10− 11 m2·s− 1 for shale and (3.5 ± 1.8) × 10− 11 m2·s− 1 for limestone, calculated from through-diffusion experiments on adjacent rock samples. Low porosity (0.01 to 0.03) and heterogeneous distribution of porosity in the Cobourg Formation may be responsible for the slightly poorer agreement between radiography and through-diffusion results for limestones. Mean values of ϕI for shales (0.060) and limestones (0.028) were close to mean porosity measurements made on bulk samples by the independent water loss technique (0.062 and 0.020 for shales and limestones, respectively). Radiography measurements offer the advantage of time-saving for diffusion experiments because the experiment does not require steady-state conditions and also allows for visualization of the small-scale heterogeneities in diffusive properties within rocks at the mm to cm scale.