Propagation and sealing efficiency of chemical grouting in a two-dimensional fracture network with flowing water

In this study, an orthogonal array experiment is conducted by using a transparent fracture network replica. Image processing and theoretical analysis are performed to investigate the model sealing efficiency(SE), factors influencing SE, and the effect of flowing water on propagation. The results show that grout propagation can be classified into three patterns in the fracture network: sealing off, partial sealing,and major erosion. The factors controlling the SE in a descending order of the amount of influence are the initial water flow speed, fracture aperture, grout take, and gel time. An optimal value for the combination of the gel time and grout take(artificial factors) can result in a good SE. The grouting and seepage pressures are measured, and the results reveal that their variations can indicate the SE to some extent. The SE is good when the seepage pressure at each point increases overall;the frequent fluctuations in the seepage pressure indicate a moderately poor SE, and an overall decline in the seepage pressure indicates a major erosion type. The deflection effect of grouting shows an approximately elliptical propagation with the long axis expanding along the wider fracture opening, demonstrating further application in grouting design.

Frequency dependence of plasma characteristics at different pressures in cylindrical inductively coupled plasma source

The effects of driving frequency on plasma parameters and electron heating efficiency are studied in cylindrical inductively coupled plasma(ICP) source. Measurements are made in an Ar discharge for driving frequency at 13.56/2 MHz, and pressures of 0.4-1.2 Pa. In 13.56 MHz discharge, higher electron density(n_e) and higher electron temperature(T_e) are observed in comparison with 2 MHz discharge at 0.6-1.2 Pa. However, slightly higher n_e and T_e are observed in 2 MHz discharge at 0.4 Pa. This observation is explained by enhanced electron heating efficiency due to the resonance between the oscillation of 2 MHz electromagnetic field and electron-neutral collision process at 0.4 Pa. It is also found that the variation of T_edistribution is different in 13.56 and 2 MHz discharge.For ICP at 13.56 MHz, T_eshows an edge-high profile at 0.4-1.2 Pa. For 2 MHz discharge, T_e remains an edge-high distribution at 0.4-0.8 Pa. However, the distribution pattern involves into a center-high profile at 0.9-1.2 Pa. The spatial profiles of n_e remain a center-high shape in both 13.56 and 2 MHz discharges, which indicates the nonlocal kinetics at low pressures. Better uniformity could be achieved by using 2 MHz discharge. The effects of gas pressure on plasma parameters are also examined. An increase in gas pressure necessitates the rise of n_e in both 13.56 and 2 MHz discharges. Meanwhile, T_e drops when gas pressure increases and shows a flatter distribution at higher pressure.