Thermal conductivity estimation model considering the effect of water saturation explaining the heterogeneity of rock thermal conductivity

The study presents the statistical data of the effective thermal conductivity (λe) of sandstones, mudstones, and marlstones from Bavaria, Germany. The measurements were conducted by the Thermal Conductivity Scanner (TCS) for dry and water-saturated conditions at an ambient temperature and pressure. High variation in the λe of sandstones is a result of the variation in matrix and pore properties. In general, the λe increases because of water...