Microstructure Experimental Lab (ME.Lab)

Microstructure Experimental Lab (ME.Lab) focuses on experimental investigations of coupled flow, transport, reaction, and mechanical processes in geomaterials, with particular emphasis on fractured porous rocks and fluid–(microbe)–gas–rock interactions. Through laboratory experiments ranging from microfluidic (micron-scale) systems to core- and plug-scale studies, and in close collaboration with the Rock Characterization Lab (RC.Lab) and the Rock Magnetics Lab (RM.Lab), ME.Lab aims to advance the understanding of physico-chemical-biological processes in the subsurface. Our research addresses rock and pore-space alteration, fluid migration dynamics, and geomechanical behavior under controlled conditions, with applications in underground hydrogen and CO₂ storage, deep geothermal energy, and sustainable subsurface energy solutions.

Fluid-rock-(microbe) interactions

Microfluidics
  • HPHT Batch reactors capable for hydrogen/CO2, fluid, rock alteration experiments
  • Bottle batch experiments for geochemical and bio-geochemical experiments
  • Standard microfluidic setup
  • Real-rock micromodel for see-through reactive transport experiments
  • Plasma bonding machine for chip fabrication

Rock deformation

Flow-through properties

  • Uniaxial deformation rig 1000 kN (UCS, E, Poisson’s ratio)
  • Triaxial deformation Hoek Cell (Pc: 70 MPa) integrated with a strain gauge system
  • HPHT core-flooding apparatus for reaction and permeability determination
  • Flow-through column
  • Reactive gas flow-through cell

Batch experiments

Microfluidic setup

Rock deformation 

Reactive transport 

Staff
Name Area of ​​responsibility Contact
Chen, Yonghui
Assistent		 Microstructure Experimental Modeling - Rock Mechanics yonghui chen ∂does-not-exist.partner kit edu
Cheng, Chaojie
Group Leader Microstructural Experimental THMCB 		Research Scientist chaojie cheng ∂does-not-exist.kit edu
Leite Mendes, Bruno Daniel
Assistant		   bruno mendes ∂does-not-exist.kit edu
Meng, Fanqi
Assistant		 Microstructure Experimental Modeling - Hydrogen Storage and Microbiology fanqi meng ∂does-not-exist.partner kit edu
Niftaliyev, Rustam
Assistant		 Microstructure Experimental Modeling - THMCB rustam niftaliyev ∂does-not-exist.kit edu
von Dollen, Martin
Präparator		 Senior Technician Engineer Martin Dollen ∂does-not-exist.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
Hydromechanical Investigations on the Self-propping Potential of Fractures in Tight Sandstones
Cheng, C.; Milsch, H.
2021. Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, 54 (10), 5407–5432. doi:10.1007/s00603-021-02500-4 Full textFull text of the publication as PDF document
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
Long-term evolution of fracture permeability in slate as potential target reservoirs for Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS)
Cheng, C.; Herrmann, J.; Rybacki, E.; Milsch, H.
2021. European Geosciences Union General Assembly (EGU 2021), Online, April 19–30, 2021. doi:10.5194/egusphere-egu21-12187 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