The origin of the induced polarization phenomenon

Jose Colmenares1
1 Department

of Geosciences University of Padova, Italy

March, 2011

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Outline

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The method

Same basic conguration as the standard resistivity method.

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The chargeability

Alternate current is used: Conductivity changes with frequency. A new properties appears: chargeability. Currently there are many (but similar) macroscopic models, but no satisfactory microscopic model

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IP models
Cole-Cole model (1977)
Z () = o 1 M 1 where o is the DC resistivity (Z () o as 0). M is the chargeability. is the frequency. is the relaxation time. c is the Cole-Cole exponent. typical values are M (0, 1) depending on mineral content, (104 , 104 ) depending on grain size and c (0.2, 0.6) depending on grain size distribution.
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1 (1 + i )c

The Diaz model

The Diaz model (1972,2000)
() = o i 1+ 1 + i = 1 + (1 ) 1+ i =m 1 1m

=1+ = i = 1

(0, 1] is a dimensionless parameter. (1, 150)

Jose Colmenares (University of Padova) Origin of IP

(107 , 102 ) is the relaxation time. m is the chargeability.

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The macroscopic governing equations

The macroscopic equation used in the inversion procedures are based on Poissons equation:

()

()

()

I (xx0 ) V

Poissons equation. Can be solve numerically with many methods. There are commercial packages to solve it. one simulation for each frequency of interest!.

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The problem is...

These are descriptive models with only empirical relationships to the physical properties of the subsurface. They do not explain why the induced polarization happens. A better understanding of why this phenomenon exists may prove very useful and predict new observations.

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The pore

There are many causes of polarization. Geometry, pore size, mineralogy, interstitial uid, all play a part. Most important types: stern layer polarization, membrane polarization.

photo taken from http://stolpergeologic.com/stolper-geologic 012.htm

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Current state of the art

There are many models. The problem has been approached in the following way: Usually the stern layer and some kind of membrane polarization are considered (not necessarily both). The geometry and ionic solution are greatly simplied. Membrane polarization is modeled as sequences of clays and sand minerals, or dierences in ion transport through tubes with dierent diameter. A pore is modeled, and through variations in size or properties the dispersion of the conductivity is explained.

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Origin of IP

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The microscopic governing equations

Two of Maxwells equation give origin to the Poisson-Boltzmann equation ( (r ) (r )) = e kB T

n 0

ezi ci0 exp (zi (r )) + f

i=1

(1)

which normalized and linearized is ( d (r ) (r )) 2 (r ) + f = 0 D (2)

There will be current in the mineral surface. The boundary condition at the surface of the crystal is not the same as in the electrostatic case.

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The microscopic governing equations

Flicks laws of diusion states that the ux J of a solute with concentration changes as J = D J = t (D ) (3) (4)

this equation will have to be adjusted for the electrical force that drives the ions due to the existence of a time-varying electric eld.

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Geometric considerations

Geometric considerations
This equations have be linked to measurable or at least more descriptive properties as: Pore size. Minerals present. tortuosity. ionic mobility. ionic content. Maybe using fractal geometry, the formation factor, and/or more tools and petrophysical properties.

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More than one pore

I will need to generate many pores to account for the frequency dependency of the resistivity:
one set of properties, dierent pore sizes? one size, dierent properties? vary all? I should be exible to do all three. The chances are that probably there is not one single cause of the IP phenomenon but many.

Computationally ecient.

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The goal

Model in a more precise manner the IP phenomenon.

Generate a set of couple equations to describe a pore. Construct a realistic pore. Put many pores together in a realistic way. Make this in an computationally ecient way. Hopefully this will help to understand better the induced polarization technique.

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Questions?

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