DEVICE AND METHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF ROCK FRACTURE TOUGHNESS OF A RESERVOIR AND THE EFFECT OF CONFINEMENT ON THE FRACTURE TOUGHNESS

摘要

A device and method for testing a rock specimen in order to determine the fracture toughness (K_IC) thereof. The device comprises: a frame; a hydraulic pressure testing rig supported by the frame and comprising a pressure gauge, a lever and a pressure diaphragm; a storage tank for storing hydraulic fluid and supported by the frame; and a pressure chamber supported by the frame, in which the test specimen is placed to be subjected to hydrostatic pressure through conduits that connect said pressure chamber with the storage tank in fluid communication.