X-ray relative permeameter system Instruments

The automated instrument flawlessly performs both unsteady-state and steady-state relative permeability determination studies for liquid/liquid and liquid/gas at reservoir-representative pressure and temperature conditions. The system delivers high-quality in-situ saturation profiles of single phase and multiphase core samples. The apparatus mainly comprises two injection and recirculation pumps, a thick stainless steel, radiation-isolating enclosure, an X-ray generator, an X-ray transparent core holder, and below it, a linear detector to measure beam absorption. The generator and detector are mounted onto parallel, robust uniaxial racks and can remotely be positioned along the core’s longitudinal axis by virtue of the proprietary X-ray scanner software. The latter also permits X-ray intensity regulation. A core sample is fitted into a Viton sleeve and loaded into the core holder. The specimen is then subjected to reservoir representative conditions of pressure and temperature, achieved via a closed hydraulic confining pressure system and a heating mantle embedded in the core holder body. The latter can be mounted both horizontally and vertically, enabling for example the study of heterogeneity, anisotropy and gravitational effects. Liquid phases are injected through the core sample at constant flow rate and the gas phases at either constant flow rate or constant pressure. In the S.S. mode, absolute and relative permeability are determined via the Darcy method, whereas the U.S. method makes use of the standard Jones and Rozelle equations.

Maximum confining pressure :

• 700 bar (10,000 psi)

Maximum pore pressure :

• 700 bar (10,000 psi)

Maximum working temperature :

• 150°C

Fluid flow :

• Recirculated fluid phases

Core diameter :

• 1"1/2 other upon request

Core length :

• 1" to 12" other upon request

Flow rate :

• 0.005 to 30 cc/min

Material :

• Stainless steel

X-ray source :

• 90 kV, 4 mA

Wetted parts :

• Stainless steel

Power supply :

• 220 VAC, 50/60 Hz

Air Pressure requirements :

• 7 bar (100 psi)

• Conducts both unsteady and steady state methods
• Core saturation is measured by the linear X-ray scanner at reservoir conditions
• Compact system