Xradia 510 Versa Micro-CT

X-ray micro computed tomography (CT) scanning is a nondestructive technique used to visualize a three-dimensional microscopic internal structure of various samples. In this lab, a state-of-the-art high resolution (to 300nm) Xradia 510 Versa Micro-CT scanner is coupled with a three-phase sensitive core-flooding apparatus to perform flow experiments in different samples with various geological and geometrical properties. The system can be used to investigate multiphase flow in porous media, characterize the associated phenomena and finally map the pore network, fluid occupancy and interfacial areas. A novel core holder design allows flow experiments through small core samples (1-12mm) under confining stress inside the micro-CT scanner. The core flooding system is designed to inject three phases with very small flow rates (Down to 0.0001 cc/min) with constant back pressure regulation at controlled pressure and temperature conditions. It also has the ability to measure and monitor flow parameters such as gauge and differential pressures, flow rates, temperature and viscosities.  These systems are used for a wide variety of experimental research to develop, evaluate or prove new displacement concepts and physics at the pore scale under unsteady or steady state conditions.