Quantification of fluids injection in a glass-bead matrix using X-ray microtomography

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Physics
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Fluid flow in porous media is crucial for many daily activities and industrial processes.
• X-ray microtomography offers a non-invasive method to visualize and analyze the internal structure of materials and fluid distribution at the pore scale.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the capability of X-ray microtomography for qualitative and quantitative analysis of fluid distribution in porous media.
• To evaluate the differentiation and quantification of various fluid phases within glass bead samples using microtomography.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of glass bead samples (0.6 mm or 0.8 mm diameter) within glass tubes.
• Injection of different fluids: doped salt-water solutions (KI, BaCl2·2H2O) and oils (industrial, commercial).
• Scanning of samples using a Skyscan-1172 microtomographic system for 2D and 3D image acquisition.

Main Results:

• Successful differentiation of all phases (glass beads, fluids, air) within the samples.
• Quantitative determination of injected fluid volumes through 2D and 3D image analysis.
• Specific doping (KI) enabled precise individualization and quantification of the salt-water solution phase.

Conclusions:

• X-ray microtomography is effective for visualizing and quantifying fluid distribution in porous media.
• The technique allows for the distinction and measurement of different fluid phases, including doped solutions.
• This methodology provides valuable insights into fluid dynamics within granular porous structures.