Modeling of Dielectric Relaxation Processes in Moist Sand Rocks

The results of experimental measurements in the frequency range 10 kHz – 1 GHz of the complex dielectric permittivity of quartz granule powders of various sizes moistened with distilled water and a salt solution are presented. On the basis of these results, a relaxation model has been constructed that makes it possible to separate the influence of relaxation processes caused by polarization of the water–mineral and water–air interfaces on the complex dielectric permittivity. The model parameters are found for various granule sizes and solution concentrations. It is shown that the relaxation time of both processes decreases with decreasing granule size and increasing the concentration of the solution. A different character of the dielectric permittivity hysteresis at different frequencies with a decrease/increase in the water saturation coefficient is explained. The prospects of using the dielectric method for determining the petrophysical characteristics of rocks are discussed.