CT based analysis of rock samples can help with the development of oil fields.

Extensive studies of soil and rock strata with reference to their geological and physical soil properties take place before oil fields are developed and production plants are erected. The aim of these studies is to obtain information about the composition and structure of soil samples taken from different depths. Therefore liquid flowability and rock porosity in the individual strata play a central role.

Natural conditions such as gravity, pressure and temperature must have their effect on the bore sample for simulations of flow behavior during CT measurement. The type of rock, a three-dimensional reconstruction of the rock and the heterogeneity of the rock's pore structure can all be defined with the help of computed tomography. These details provide inferences as to the saturation capability of the rock samples extracted.

 

After the CT system Y.CT Vertical has been calibrated, spot density figures are able to be ascertained and classified in the course of a CT scan. The various component parts of a stratum from the bore sample can be identified afterward via the respective measured density. That way the existence and distribution of a variety of soil and rocktypes can be determined for each stratum within the bore sample. This also applies to component elements such as crude oil, subsoil water and natural gas.The upright inspection position reflecting conditions in the Earth's interior enable information to be gained on how crude oil is distributed within rock, as well as on the velocity at which crude oil can be flushed from that type of rock. Permeability of the rock strata is determined continuously by means of automated CT scans. This process can be documented in real time over a period of several weeks. An analysis of the flow behavior of crude oil/water composites can then be collected over the entire period.