Laboratory for Experimental Rock Physics

The focus of our research work results from the increasing use of underground space for geothermal energy extraction/storage and geological gas storage (CO₂, H₂). This requires not only the determination of petrophysical target parameters, but also a specific assessment of the impact of anthropogenic fluid-rock interactions on the long-term development of the hydraulic and mechanical properties of geological reservoirs. To this end, we conduct experiments under controlled pressure and temperature conditions that correspond to the in situ conditions during reservoir utilisation. For this purpose, we have various temperature-controlled pressure vessels equipped with appropriate measuring sensors, most of which were developed in-house in close cooperation with the GFZ high-pressure workshop. The test facilities cover various pressure and temperature ranges from 10 MPa to 140 MPa, allowing us to simulate reservoir temperatures from -20 °C to 550 °C.