FLEXT: A Flexible Scripting X-ray Computed Tomography System For Multiscale and Dynamic Imaging
Due to the Corona situation the seminar will be held virtually.
If you wish to follow the seminar you will have to sign up by sending an e-mail to Christian Ove Carlsson cc@kt.dtu.dk
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Abstract:
X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) methods can be used to study the internal structure of geomaterials non-destructively and with minor sample preparation.
Previously, such methods have been utilized in the characterization of petroleum reservoirs, underground water resources, soil, ores, and carbon storage in aquifers.
X-ray CT has the potential to characterize geomaterials at multiple length scales and as a function of time – in the dynamic imaging mode.
Multiscale and dynamic imaging of geomaterials in X-ray CT scanners however require open hardware and software architectures that permit programming, scripting, and modifications.
We describe the development of a flexible scripting system to control the components of a non-commercial multiscale X-ray CT scanner for geological applications.
The modified custom-built X-ray CT scanner is capable of imaging objects as large as 20 cm to smaller than 1 mm with three stages.
Imaging of many rock samples at the 120-mm, 40-mm, and 2-mm length scales are presented as well as two dynamic evaporation experiments in a model glass-bead pack and a natural chalk core plug.
Millimeter-sized, core plug, and whole core samples demonstrated the possibility of observation of a range of features, including fossils, fractures, micro fractures, pyrite agglomerates, pores and holes, deformation bands, and stylolites across different length scales.
Quantitative measures of heterogeneity from images in chalk samples of the Danish North Sea demonstrated strong correlation with petroleum recovery factor.
The drying of the glass bead pack demonstrated the possibility of directly observing the liquid water phase and its interface. The evaporation rate of water from pendular rings left behind was significantly slower than that of the connected liquid water phase.
The evaporation of saltwater from a 3.9-mm-diameter Stevns Klint chalk plug demonstrated the possibility of observing efflorescence, the formation of a crystallized salt layer on the porous medium, and changes in the liquid phase content through partial volume effects.
The developed software environment accelerates hardware and software modifications and permits new applications and discoveries in geosciences.