Multi-Frequency Microwave Resonance Cavity for Nondestructive Core Plug Measurements

This work describes the theory, design and testing of a multi-frequency microwave cavity. The cavity measures the complex permittivity of core plugs of rocks, consolidated soil or sea ice. The core plugs can have commercially available diameter dimensions (0.02 meters – 0.038 meters) and for maximum height of 0.055 meters. The cavity measures the complex permittivity at five resonant frequencies between 1 GHz and 3.5 GHz of the TM0np mode. An infrared temperature sensor measures the temperature of the core plug under testing. This cavity allows for a more accurate characterization of the core composition. Initial complex permittivity measurements of six different shale core plugs were conducted. Results show that permittivity spectra can be correlated to the clay content and total organic content (TOC) of the shales. The latter is a function of the maturity of the rock. Moreover, initial results indicate the importance of water and salinity on shale samples.