Task 6.1: Apparatus development

We previously reported on the design and manufacture of an environmental cell for the measurement of fracture mechanics parameters under high-temperature/high-pressure conditions (PRENLAB-2 first annual report). We have now extended the range of capabilities of this apparatus so that it can perform four different types of experiment: (1) rock fracture mechanics experiments, (2) confined compression experiments, (3) confined extension experiments, and (4) direct tension experiments. The extended operating conditions are: (i) confining pressure up to 70MPa, (ii) test temperatures up to 500^oC with water as the confining/pore fluid, (iii) test temperatures up to 900^oC with dry nitrogen as the confining/pore fluid, and (iv) sample diameters from 25 mm to 60 mm. A schematic diagram of the apparatus and its operating modes is given in Figure 42.

 

Figure 42: Schematic diagram of the apparatus and its operating modes.