Microstructure Experimental Lab (ME.Lab)

ME.Lab at AGW-SGT aims for experimental studies on flow and transport in fractured porous rocks, fluid-(microbe)-gas-rock interactions, and rock mechanics, in close collaboration with RC.Lab (Rock Characterization Lab) and RM.Lab (Rock Magnetics Lab). The main focuses are on understanding subsurface processes through laboratory experiments, ranging from microfluidic (micron-scale) to core-scale studies. With applications in underground hydrogen/CO2 storage, deep geothermal energy, and sustainable energy solutions, we aim to advance knowledge of fluid flow dynamics, reactions and geomechanical behavior. 

Lab facilities: 

  • Standard microfluidics setup
  • Real-rock micromodel for see-through experiments
  • Uniaxial deformation rig (UCS, E, Poisson's ratio) 
  • Triaxial deformation Hoek Cell, including a strain gauge system
  • Batch reactors capable for hydrogen/CO2, fluid, rock alteration experiments
  • Reactive core flooding (with various fluids) apparatus under different hydrostatic pressures and temperature
Staff
Name Area of ​​responsibility Contact
Cheng, Chaojie
Group Leader Microstructural Experimental THMCB modeling		 Research Scientist chaojie cheng ∂does-not-exist.kit edu
Leite Mendes, Bruno Daniel
Assistant		   bruno mendes ∂does-not-exist.kit edu
von Dollen, Martin
Präparator		 Senior Technician Engineer Martin Dollen ∂does-not-exist.kit edu
Chen, Yonghui
Assistent		 Microstructure Experimental Modeling - Rock Mechanics yonghui chen ∂does-not-exist.partner kit edu
Niftaliyev, Rustam
Assistant		 Microstructure Experimental Modeling - THMCB rustam niftaliyev ∂does-not-exist.kit edu
Meng, Fanqi
Assistant		 Microstructure Experimental Modeling - Hydrogen Storage and Microbiology fanqi meng ∂does-not-exist.partner kit edu

List of Publication


2024
Natural-Rock Micromodels for Investigation of Micro-Processes and Interactions within Real Pores of Geological Materials
Cheng, C.; Busch, B.; Von Dollen, M.; Dohrmann, A. B.; Krüger, M.; Hilgers, C.
2024. 85th EAGE Annual Conference & Exhibition 2024 : Oslo, Norway, 10-13 June 2024, 1–5, Curran. doi:10.3997/2214-4609.202410381
2023
A microfluidic study into salt precipitation in saline aquifers induced by continuous CO2 injection
Cheng, C.; Busch, B.; Hilgers, C.
2023. 84th EAGE Annual Conference and Exhibition : Vienna, Austria, 5-8 June 2023, 1–5, Curran. doi:10.3997/2214-4609.2023101505
2022
Fracture Transmissivity in Prospective Host Rocks for Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS)
Herrmann, J.; Schuster, V.; Cheng, C.; Milsch, H.; Rybacki, E.
2022. Geosciences, 12 (5), Art.-Nr.: 195. doi:10.3390/geosciences12050195 Full textFull text of the publication as PDF document
2021
What process causes the slowdown of pressure solution creep
Lu, R.; Cheng, C.; Nagel, T.; Milsch, H.; Yasuhara, H.; Kolditz, O.; Shao, H.
2021. Geomechanics and Geophysics for Geo-Energy and Geo-Resources, 7 (3), Art.-Nr.: 57. doi:10.1007/s40948-021-00247-4 Full textFull text of the publication as PDF document
Transient Permeability in Porous and Fractured Sandstones mediated by Fluid-rock Interactions. PhD dissertation
Cheng, C.
2021, June 29. Universität Potsdam. doi:10.25932/publishup-51012 Full textFull text of the publication as PDF document
Permeability and Mineralogy of the Újfalu Formation, Hungary, from Production Tests and Experimental Rock Characterization: Implications for Geothermal Heat Projects
Willems, C. J. L.; Cheng, C.; Watson, S. M.; Minto, J.; Williams, A.; Walls, D.; Milsch, H.; Burnside, N. M.; Westaway, R.
2021. Energies, 14 (14), Art.-Nr.: 4332. doi:10.3390/en14144332 Full textFull text of the publication as PDF document
Long-Term Evolution of Fracture Permeability in Slate: An Experimental Study with Implications for Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS)
Cheng, C.; Herrmann, J.; Wagner, B.; Leiss, B.; Stammeier, J. A.; Rybacki, E.; Milsch, H.
2021. Geosciences, 11 (11), Art.-Nr.: 443. doi:10.3390/geosciences11110443 Full textFull text of the publication as PDF document