A number of laboratory studies have shown that clays exhibit membrane properties. However, little research has been performed on lithologies outside of pure clays. Recently, research focusing on mixed sand and clay membrane properties for engineering applications was performed. Still, literature only suggests the possibilities of membrane properties, osmotic or reverse-osmotic, associated with other naturally occurring 'tight' rock types. Therefore, the objectives of this research was to perform a series of hyperfiltration experiments using actual rock discs of Quarry Ridge Jefferson Dolomite, Darrington Phyllite, Lower Burlington Limestone, and low permeability concrete to determine if tight lithologies can function as membranes. |