Thermal Petrophysics Lab

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The Thermal Petrophysics Laboratory offers a wide range of measurement methods, primarily for determining the thermal properties of rocks and minerals.

In addition, mineralogical and other petrophysical parameters can be determined. The following parameters can be measured:

  • Thermal conductivity (TCS, TLS, TPS; LFA) (-150°C to 1,100°C)
  • Thermal diffusivity (TCS, TLS, TPS; LFA) (-150°C to 1,100°C)
  • Volumetric heat capacity
  • Coefficient of thermal expansion (Dil) (RT to 1,000°C)
  • Porosity (by immersion weighing)
  • Density (by immersion weighing, Dil)
  • Permeability (TinyPerm)
  • Mineralogy (XRD)

For measurements under combined in-situ pressure and temperature conditions, we are developing an autoclave based on a modified pulse method. Depending on the purpose of the measurement and the applicable sample preparation steps, the most suitable samples are either full or half cores, outcrop samples, or cuttings. To prepare rock samples (sawing, drilling, polishing), we use various in-house facilities. Over the years, we have gained extensive experience in the preparation, measurement, and scientific analysis of thousands of sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks. Depending on the rock type and application, we can saturate the samples with various pore fluids (air, water, formation fluid, heptane, isooctane, etc.) for measurement.

We offer our expertise through scientific collaborations as well as a service. For information on sample analysis and conditions and processes contact us by email.

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Disciplinary Keywords

Selected infrastructures

Instrumentation

Laboratory instrumentation

Instruments

  • Dilatometer
  • Hot Disk | Transient Plane Source
  • Laser-Flash Analysis
  • Needle Probe | Transient Line Source
  • Permeameter
  • Thermal Conductivity Meter
  • Thermal Conductivity Scanner
  • X-Ray Powder Diffractometer

    An x-ray powder diffractometer is primarily used for the identification of phases in powder form. An x-ray beam of known wavelength is focused on a powdered sample and x-ray diffraction peaks are measured using a germanium detector; the d-spacing of the observed diffraction peaks is calculated using Bragg's Law [n*lamda = 2dsin(theta)]. The Scintag Pad V automated powder diffractometer uses a Cu x-ray tube with variable filters, a four-sample changer, and a low-noise, high efficiency, liquid-nitrogen cooled germanium detector. The goniometer is automated and software packages are run from a PC running Windows NT 4. A number of Scintag software packages are available for routine powder diffraction data acquisition, background correction and peak identification. Unknowns can be matched to JCPDS cards in an on-line database. Other software is available for quantitative analysis of powder mixtures, unit cell refinement, Rietveld analysis, and GSAS structural analysis. Samples sho uld be prepared as powders with a grain size of 10 um (approximately), and typically about 100 milligrams of sample is required. Additional information available at "http://www.gps.caltech.edu/facilities/analytical/xrd.html" [Summary provided by Caltech] (Source: Global Change Master Directory (GCMD). 2023. GCMD Keywords, Version 16.3. Greenbelt, MD: Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects pision, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). URL (GCMD Keyword Forum Page): https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD+Keywords)

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