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Reservoir Condition Pore-scale Imaging of Multiple Fluid Phases Using X-ray Microtomography
Published on: February 25, 2015
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Optimizing pink-beam fast X-ray microtomography for multiphase flow in 3D porous media
D E Meisenheimer1, M L Rivers2, D Wildenschild1
1School of Chemical, Biological, and Environmental Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, U.S.A.
Journal of Microscopy
|February 6, 2020
Summary
A new fast X-ray microtomography method uses a pink X-ray beam to image fluid flow in porous materials in real-time. This technique captures 3D fluid dynamics in 14 seconds, overcoming limitations of slower methods for environmental and industrial applications.
Area of Science:
- Geosciences
- Materials Science
- Physics
Background:
- Understanding fluid transport in porous media is crucial for environmental and industrial processes.
- Traditional X-ray microtomography (μCT) is often too slow to capture dynamic fluid flow.
- High-energy X-rays can cause artifacts like bubble formation in fluids.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a rapid X-ray microtomography (μCT) technique for studying multiphase flow in porous media.
- To mitigate artifacts such as bubble formation caused by high-flux X-ray beams.
- To enable real-time 3D imaging of fluid dynamics in nonequilibrium conditions.
Main Methods:
- Developed a fast pink-beam X-ray microtomography methodology at the GSECARS 13-BMD beamline.
- Modified the Advanced Photon Source white beam using a copper filter and platinum mirror for a 40-60 keV pink beam.
- Optimized the X-ray spectrum to reduce bubble formation and wettability alteration.
Main Results:
- Achieved a 14-second acquisition time for complete 3D datasets.
- Acquired images with sufficient contrast and quality for multiphase flow analysis.
- Successfully mitigated bubble formation and wettability alteration issues associated with high-energy beams.
Conclusions:
- The fast pink-beam X-ray microtomography technique enables real-time study of 3D multiphase flow in porous media.
- This method provides high-quality data for measuring parameters like contact angles and interfacial areas.
- The technique has significant potential for improving models of fluid transport in environmental and industrial applications.
