InnospeXion X-Ray Systems for Petroleum R&D

2-D core scanners designed for 1, 1.5, 2 or 4 inch rock drill cores are fast and can provide a one - or pseudo 2-D result.  Imaging is not an option owing to the cylindrical nature.  However, the systems are cost-effective and classical.  Contact us for options on innovative, competitive solutions.  System above courtesy of Norsk Hydro and the Institut for Energiteknik, Norway.  

Quantitative Reservoir Rock Studies Using X-Rays

The InnospeXion X-Ray Systems for Petroleum Research are intended for the quantitative assessment of the 2- or 3-D studies of the flow of oil, gas or water in porous reservoir rocks, in order to optimize the oil exploration possibilities.

The basis of our systems is the use of calibrated, stable x-ray emission sources, high stability detectors and precision mechanics.  In addition we offer InnospeXion’s expertise in x-ray safety and x-ray technology.  This is the solution to precise laboratory tests and 2- and 3-D flow interpretation.

We offer systems based on x-ray attenuation measurements and real-time high sensitivity imaging.  Simple core scanners or 3-D rock slab imaging and measurement systems.  

How it Works

The 3-D X-Ray Core Scanner is based on a low kV x-ray source that emits a narrow beam of electromagnetic radiation, which is attenuated by the porous rock sample.  Attenuation depends on the composition and porosity of the sample.  The sample is placed in a slide tray, which is made accurately to fit a 1000 x 1000 mm sample.  The sample holder provides for an auxiliary system that enables flow of a liquid through the sample, in a direction normal to the x-ray beam.

The 3-D X-Ray Core Scanner incorporates two distinct measurement options (a) the real-time imaging of the actual attenuation image using a linear array that is moved across the sample  simultaneously with the x-ray source, and (b) the measurement of attenuation by the rock sample using a Nal scintillation detector which is moved in steps simultaneously with the x-ray source.  The first technique provides an image that may be correlated to an actual flow pattern and flow composition within the sample, whereas the second technique enables a more accurate assessment of the actual composition of the flow constituents across the sample.

Precision and Scan Speed

The 3-D X-Ray Core Scanner has been developed for quantitative studies of the migration of various fluid in the rock sample.  The positional accuracy depends on scanning speed, and the statistical accuracy depends on the rock, the thickness and the integration time.  At routine usage, the X-Y position accuracy is about 0.5-1 mm, and the counting accuracy is about 1-2% for an average count rate of 20,000 cps.

Better precision is possible at the expense of scan speed.  A total scan at 5 mm resolution of a 1x1m² rock in counting mode will take about 250² to 400² seconds, whereas the complete image scan takes about 5-30 minutes.