GOPH457 - LAB 2 DENSITY AND POROSITY OF ROCKS OBJECTIVE: To determine the densities of selected rock samples when they

are dry and wet and to compute their particle densities and porosity. To relate these measurements to lithology and to compare the accuracy of two experimental methods. THEORY: A sample of rock is an agglomerate of particles of differing mineral compositions together with a proportion of voids which in-situ are filled by fluids (called pore fluids), usually water. The density is measured in units of kg/m3 (1 kg/m3 = 1 x 10-3 g/m3). In this experiment three different types of density will be determined. Dry Density The dry density D is equal to the dry mass MD of the sample divided by the total volume V of the sample. The sample must be dried long enough to remove any moisture from the voids.

!D = M D /V
Wet Density The wet density W is equal to the wet mass MW of the sample divided by the total volume V of the sample. When the sample has been saturated under reduced pressure for long enough that all the voids are filled with fluid then,

!W = M W / V
Porosity The porosity is the void ratio given by the formula

! = V! / V
where V is the volume of voids. Particle Density The particle or grain density p is equal to the mass MD of the dried sample divided by the total grain volume of the sample, where the grain volume is the total volume less the volume of the voids. Thus

" P = M D / ( # V! ) V

or

" P = M D /V ( # ! ) 1

density/porosity

Derived formulae If * is the density of the pore fluid the following formulae apply: ! # !D "= W !* " V ( #!) 1 "D = P = "P ( #! ) 1 V {" V (1 # ! )+ " * V! } "W = P = " P ( # ! )+ " * ! 1 V ! # !W "= P !P # ! * For this experiment, water will be used as the fluid (* = 1000 kg/m3) and the volume of the rock sample will be obtained by the following two methods: METHOD: The samples are imbibed by placing them on a tray above water in the bell jar, and the jar is evacuated, removing most of the air from the pores. The samples are then dumped into the water and the pressure is returned to atmospheric. The water can then flow into the evacuated pores. The two measurement methods used here differ by the means used to calculate volumes. Method One: Direct measurement of dimensions using the callipers in the laboratory. Method Two: By the loss of weight in water method. The volume is obtained by determining the mass difference between the wet mass MW weighed in air and the wet mass MW* weighed in water. For this the cradle below the Mettler Balance is used and the tub is filled with sufficient water to cover the specimen when it is placed on the tray. Hence:

V =

MW " MW * !*

In determining the various types of density, and the porosity of the rock samples, one therefore measures MD, MW, MW* and computes D, W, P, and from the various equations above. Note: The parameter which best represents the density of rocks below the water table is the wet density W, but since measurements are usually made on samples from outcrops, whose density may be reduced due to partial saturation and weathering, the measured value of may tend to be lower than that of unweathered saturated rocks at depth. The value of P places an upper limit on the possible value of and hence it is a reasonable estimate for the density of the rock if it is buried at a depth greater than about 2 or 3 km. The changes in density of sedimentary rocks are mainly affected by changes in porosity rather than changes in the density of the mineral constituents, and the density is generally higher for older sedimentary rocks that have been deeply buried.

density/porosity

PROCEDURE: The experiment will involve density measurements on samples of sedimentary (two different sandstones), metamorphic and igneous rock. a) The samples are in the small desiccator (bell jar) or the plastic tray. You must keep the samples in the water except for step (c) to ensure the water in the pores is not replaced by air. b) Use the 10 samples provided; identify and describe the samples. c) Weigh the wet samples in air. You must use a piece of paper towel to wipe water droplets from the surface of the sample, but without the close contact that will draw water out of the sample. d) Weigh the samples suspended on the cradle under water. e) Repeat c) and d) 5 times for a single chosen sample, soaking the sample for about 2 minutes between each set of readings. This will allow you to determine one of the measurement errors. The Excel pattern has been set up to determine the maximum error. Note: Continue to f) only after all lab groups have completed the wet portion of this experiment. f) Dry the samples thoroughly in the oven, preferably overnight (this will be done for you). g) Measure the geometric proportions of samples with regular shapes using the callipers, and calculate a value for the volume V. h) Weigh all dry samples in air. ANALYSIS: 1. From the course web site, download the Excel chart for this lab. You will need to provide Excel formulae to calculate the densities and porosities. You may debug your formulae by entering the example numbers and comparing the calculated results with those also provided on the web. 2. Replace the example numbers in the chart by your own measurements and propagate the formulae across the columns. This chart must be submitted electronically, and correct formulae will be required for good marks. 3. Error ranges must be provided for each calculated result, and these too are coded as Excel formulae. The measurement errors have unique positions within the chart, so dont forget to code their references with $ signs so the formulae propagate properly. 4. Beside each calculation on your paper copy, write out (by hand or in excel) the formula you used to calculate both the values and their errors. Make sure to define your variables. DISCUSSION: 1. This lab uses two methods to calculate the volume of a rock sample. Which is more accurate? What are the advantages and disadvantages of the two methods? 2. Compare results where you have more than one sample from a formation. How do the differences compare to the error calculations? Do you expect the results to be exactly the same? 3. These samples were imbibed with water. What are the advantages and disadvantages to the use of different fluids? What fluid is usually used for the measurement of porosity in well cores? 4. Can you make some general remarks about the relationship between lithology and porosity? Between porosity and density? density/porosity 3

5. Compare the densities with what could be expected from your lithological identifications. How do your results compare with published literature, and how do they differ? 6. Discuss your results, including generalizations about density versus lithology, and porosity versus density. Are your data representative of the in-situ environment and what limitations may apply? REQUIRED FOR THIS LAB: Raw data (photocopy if you dont have the original) Analysis (Excel spreadsheet, one copy emailed to me, and a paper copy) Discussion. It is called discussion for a reason please do not regurgitate your class notes ;)

density/porosity