Comparative analysis of the application of the Lichtenecker and Lichtenecker – Asaad models for the theoretical assessment of the rocks effective thermal conductivity

Abstract

The analysis of the conditions and limitations of using the Lichtenecker and Lichtenecker – Asaad models for predictive assessment of the effective thermal conductivity of rocks have been carried out. For a comparative assessment, experimental data on the thermal conductivity of carbonate rocks (limestone, dolomite) from the South-West German Molasse basin, the Chicxulub impact structure (Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico) and the Bazhenov Formation (Western Siberia, Russia) have been considered. Comparative assessments were carried out based on the use of correlation relationships obtained by the authors of experimental works as a result of regression analysis of the petrophysical properties of carbonate rocks. The results of the computational and analytical assessment have shown that the highest accuracy of thermal conductivity prediction using the Lichtenecker – Asaad model can be achieved if experimental data are available that provide a highly accurate determination of the structure factor. The features of the influence of various parameters of the Lichtenecker – Asaad model on the error in estimating the effective thermal conductivity of the rock have been studied. It has been established that at the stage of pre-design research, the Lichtenecker model can be used for a fairly correct theoretical assessment of the thermal conductivity of water-saturated, slightly porous rocks.