Abstract
To establish reliable methods for determining the thermal conductivity of drilled core and cuttings samples, we measured thermal conductivity for a series of sliced specimens of sandstone from India and compressed kaolin powder. The results showed that specimen size required for precise measurement is more than 100 mm in length, 40 mm in width, and 20 mm in thickness for most rocks and sediments collected from drilling in which a box-type probe is used. In addition, a positive correlation was recognized between the bulk density of compressed kaolin powder and its thermal conductivity value. We believe that it is possible to determine thermal conductivity of disaggregated geomaterials and cuttings recovered during drilling by using a needle-type probe and a small sample holder in which the cutting sample is placed and pressed to remove pore space.
