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Pneumatic testing in 45-degree-inclined boreholes in ash-flow tuff near Superior, Arizona

Water-Resources Investigations Report 95-4073
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https://doi.org/10.3133/wri954073

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Abstract

Matrix permeability values determined by single-hole pneumatic testing in nonfractured ash-flow tuff ranged from 5.1 to 20.3 * 1046 m2 (meters squared), depending on the gas-injection rate and analysis method used. Results from the single-hole tests showed several significant correlations between permeability and injection rate and between permeability and test order. Fracture permeability values determined by cross-hole pneumatic testing in fractured ash-flow tuff ranged from 0.81 to 3.49 * 1044 m2, depending on injection rate and analysis method used. Results from the cross-hole tests monitor intervals showed no significant correlation between permeability and injection rate; however, results from the injection interval showed a significant correlation between injection rate and permeability. Porosity estimates from the 'cross-hole testing range from 0.8 to 2.0 percent. The maximum temperature change associated with the pneumatic testing was 1.2'(2 measured in the injection interval during cross-hole testing. The maximum temperature change in the guard and monitor intervals was O.Ip C. The maximum error introduced into the permeability values due to temperature fluctuations is approximately 4 percent. Data from temperature monitoring in the borehole indicated a positive correlation between the temperature decrease in the injection interval during recovery testing and the gas-injection rate. The thermocouple psychrometers indicated that water vapor was condensing in the boreholes during testing. The psychrometers in the guard and monitor intervals detected the drier injected gas as an increase in the dry bulb reading. The relative humidity in the test intervals was always higher than the upper measurement limit of the psychrometers. Although the installation of the packer system may have altered the water balance of the borehole, the gas-injection testing resulted in minimal or no changes in the borehole relative humidity.

Suggested Citation

LeCain, G., 1995, Pneumatic testing in 45-degree-inclined boreholes in ash-flow tuff near Superior, Arizona: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 95-4073, iv, 27 p. :ill. ;28 cm., https://doi.org/10.3133/wri954073.

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Pneumatic testing in 45-degree-inclined boreholes in ash-flow tuff near Superior, Arizona
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 95-4073
DOI 10.3133/wri954073
Year Published 1995
Language ENGLISH
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey : Earth Science Information Center, Open-File Reports Section [distributor],
Description iv, 27 p. :ill. ;28 cm.
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