An Experimental Method to Measure Gaseous Diffusivity in Tight and Partially Saturated Porous Media via Continuously Monitored Mass Spectrometry

Paul, Matthew J.; Broome, Scott; Kuhlman, Kristopher L.; Feldman, Joshua; Heath, Jason

doi:10.1007/s11242-020-01397-x

An Experimental Method to Measure Gaseous Diffusivity in Tight and Partially Saturated Porous Media via Continuously Monitored Mass Spectrometry

Journal Article · Mon Apr 06 00:00:00 EDT 2020 · Transport in Porous Media

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/s11242-020-01397-x· OSTI ID:1614777

Paul, Matthew J. ^[1]; Broome, Scott ^[1]; Kuhlman, Kristopher L. ^[1]; Feldman, Joshua ^[1]; Heath, Jason ^[1]

Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)

Detection of radioxenon and radioargon produced by underground nuclear explosions is one of the primary methods by which the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test–Ban Treaty (CTBT) monitors for nuclear activities. However, transport of these noble gases to the surface via barometric pumping is a complex process relying on advective and diffusive processes in a fractured porous medium to bring detectable levels to the surface. To better understand this process, experimental measurements of noble gas and chemical surrogate diffusivity in relevant lithologies are necessary. However, measurement of noble gas diffusivity in tight or partially saturated porous media is challenging due to the transparent nature of noble gases, the lengthy diffusion times, and difficulty maintaining consistent water saturation. Here, the quasi-steady-state Ney–Armistead method is modified to accommodate continuous gas sampling via effusive flow to a mass spectrometer. An analytical solution accounting for the cumulative sampling losses and induced advective flow is then derived. Experimental results appear in good agreement with the proposed theory, suggesting the presence of retained groundwater reduces the effective diffusivity of the gas tracers by 10–1000 times. Finally, by using a mass spectrometer, the method described herein is applicable to a broad range of gas species and porous media.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation (NA-20)

Grant/Contract Number:: AC04-94AL85000; NA0003525

OSTI ID:: 1614777

Report Number(s):: SAND--2020-3805J; 685172

Journal Information:: Transport in Porous Media, Journal Name: Transport in Porous Media Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 133; ISSN 0169-3913

Publisher:: SpringerCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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An Experimental Method to Measure Gaseous Diffusivity in Tight and Partially Saturated Porous Media via Continuously Monitored Mass Spectrometry

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