Thermal properties of Western Australian sediments

Summary

This report presents experimental data for matrix thermal conductivity for the Carnarvon Basin.

It also presents a method of relating the observed dry-bulk thermal conductivity and porosity of powdered aggregates, or drill cuttings, to their matrix thermal conductivity.

This empirical relationship provided estimates of matrix thermal conductivity that were consistent with theoretical mix formulae for 50:50 mixtures of the minerals quartz, calcite and feldspar, and also a sample of Flag Sandstone from the North West Shelf, Australia.

Keywords: thermal conductivity, determination, bulk rock, drill cuttings, Carnarvon Basin, sedimentary rocks