EPC at Applied Geophysics and Geothermal Energy (GGE), E.ON Energy Research Center (ERC), RWTH Aachen University
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Since 1991 GGE contributes to ODP and IODP by providing staff and technical equipment to perform geophysical logging and log interpretation and petrophysical lab analysis of drilling cores.

At GG E, high-quality technical equipment is available for measuring a variety of rock physical properties in the lab and for measuring geophysical parameters in the field as well as

in boreholes. This equipment is used both in research and contractual work and for training students in a petrophysics lab practical, a borehole logging practical, and a geophysical field practical. Apart from petrophysical measurements and geophysical borehole measurements, research at GG E is based mainly on numerical simulations. Accordingly, several high-performance computers are available for numerical simulations. The computers are partly integrated into the high-performance cluster of RWTH Aachen University which is used by our group.

Research projects
 - CO2 Seals - Integrity of cap rocks / CO2 storage
- Modelling multiphase flow & CO2 storage
- Numerical analysis for characterization of fluid movement in reservoirs (CO2-injection) & overburdens (CO2-leakage) via self-potential measurements
- NMR measurements of tight gas rocks
- Characterization of flow properties of soils with SIP and NMR
- Reducing risk in geothermal reservoir development
- Statistically significant rock properties for geothermal use
- Investigation of the vertical variation in specific heat flow on the Kola Peninsula

Research Focus

GGE's research is focused on the evaluation of petrophysical properties with regard to heat and multiphase flow. This includes numerical modelling as well as the development of methods for the evaluation of the relevant rock properties from both lab measurements and geophysical downhole measurements.

Scientific topics

> Physical properties of rocks under in-situ pressure and temperature

> Numerical modelling of heat and fluid transport in crystalline and sedimentary rocks

> Log interpretation methods

Scientific Approach

A wide range of technical laboratory equipment is available for measurements of physical rock properties on samples and for the corresponding sample preparation. Properties studied comprise: thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, electrical resistivity, ultrasonic velocity, density, porosity, NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance), IS (impedance spectroscopy), magnetic susceptibility, and natural Gamma radiation.

For measurements on rock samples under elevated pressure and temperature new laboratory equipment is currently under construction.

GGE owns a borehole logging instrument for measurements up to a depth of 1500 m which comprises tools for electrical resistivity, sonic velocity, density, and natural spectral Gamma radiation (K, U, Th) of rocks, for borehole diameter and shape, and for fluid salinity, temperature, and pressure.