Testing the COncept of Drift Shadow with X-Ray Absorption Imaging
X-ray absorption imaging experiments and measurements of inflow and outflow distribution provide quantitative and vistial evidence for capillary diversion around a drift and a drift-shadow effect. Test cells were constructed from volcanic tuff with either in-plane (one fracture parallel to the face of the test cell) or multi-fracture (with a grid of fractures perpendicular to the test cell) systems. Tracer solutions were dripped in the fractures at ports along the top of the test cell. Discharge along the bottom boundary and in the drift was monitored. Variables included flow rate and fracture aperture. X-ray absorption imaging allowed for visualization of flow paths through the system. Evidence for capillary diversion and drift shadow include: (1) very small (< 1 %,of inflow in most cases) measured discharge into the drift, (2) discharge less than expected under the drift and discharge greater than expected just beyond the drift, and (3) visualization of the tracer-solution flow path from above the drift, around the drift, and shedding beyond the drift. However, tracer was also observed in a natural fracture under the drift in one system. It is unclear whether these high concentrations are due to diversion around the drift and back under the drift or capillary spreading along the bottom boundary of the test cell. Future experiments will focus on using samples collected directly from Yucca Mountain and minimizing the capillary barrier effects along the lower boundary of the test cells. The implementation of the drift shadow effect, as supported by these experiments, could impact performance of the proposed Yucca Mountain repository.
- Research Organization:
- Yucca Mountain Project, Las Vegas, Nevada
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- OSTI ID:
- 894020
- Report Number(s):
- NA; MOL20060711.0152, DC# 47122
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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