Quantitative visualization of heterogeneous transport processes at the host rock - cement interface

We present a method for quantitative visualization and parametrization of heterogeneous transport processes at the host-rock – cement interface. As measuring method for spatiotemporal observation of the concentration of a radiotracer (22Na), we apply high-resolution positron emission tomography (PET). For illustration, the study here was conducted on a generic laboratory sample with drill core dimensions of a halite – salt cement contact. By sequential PET-imaging over a period of 70 days, we could delineate the initial patchy tracer distribution and the diffusional propagation of the tracer concentration into the cement. After 10 days, we observed significant propagation of the tracer into the cement. From the propagation pattern, we derived a first approximation of the penetration depth.