An experimental method to control pore structure in artificial
conglomerate based on grain size distribution design
Abstract
The conglomerate is characterized by multiscale grain packing structure
and various pore distribution morphology, which is also named as
multimodal structure. However, artificial conglomerate applying the
experimental investigation differs significantly from natural
conglomerates in terms of pore structure, due to centralized pore
distribution and lack of nano-scale pores. Hence, we present an
experimental method for controlling the pore structure in the artificial
conglomerate. First of all, Portland cement was adopted as the main
cementing agent, which could generate wider pore distribution and more
proportion of nano-scale pores. Next, the grain size distribution design
model was applied to realize the various pore structure. Finally,
Genetic Programing was adopted to quantify the relationship between
grain size distribution and pore structure. The results demonstrated
that grain size distribution is composed of coarse grain peak (CGP) and
fine grain peak (FGP), various morphology of grain distribution could be
realized by adjusting the width and granularity of CGP and FGP.
Moreover, lithology is determined by the average value μ1 of CGP, while
permeability is determined by the average value μ2 of FGP. As the
granularity difference between CGP and FGP performs larger, the
morphology of pore distribution transforms from steep peak to hills in
the conglomerate, most frequent and average radius of pore decrease, and
capillary curve morphology transforms from concave to convex. In
comparison with natural cores within alluvial fan of Karamay
conglomerate reservoir, pore distribution morphology of artificial
conglomerates has high similarity with natural cores.