Ultra-fast 3D x-ray CT imaging

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Multicomponent measurements with solids, liquids and gases are often required in the chemical and petroleum applications. Such measurements include porosity, pore size distribution, permeability, viscosity, flow rate, and the geometry of flow can be efficiently conducted using 3D visualization techniques based on the principles of x-ray computer tomography (CT). Currently, the petroleum and chemical industry does not have in its possession the CT tools directly designed for its purposes. It uses the equipment built for medical applications which is often not easily adapted or cannot meet the requirements of chemical and petroleum applications. Our group has an extensive research experience in laboratory and theoretical analysis of different aspects of flow in porous media with application to petroleum industry. Our visualization measurement devices include NMR, MRI, medical x-ray CT scanners, optical cameras etc. We have established collaboration not only with energy companies, but also with technology companies. Our recent partnership with Canada Diagnostic Imaging (CDI) opened new horizons in collaborative design of a novel x-ray CT tool for chemical and petroleum engineering based on the most recent technology developments in the area of x-ray signal detection and processing. Our new project is aimed at implementation of our x-ray CT design in practice and its applications in our research and educational projects. The new CT tool will make it possible to achieve higher spatial and temporal resolution than the currently used medical CT scanners. For example, out preliminary calculations showed that one meter long porous cylinders with the diameter of 15 cm can be scanned in only 10 seconds. The spatial resolution of the obtained 3D images will be at least 50 micrometers per pixel. Such specifications allow fast processing of cores obtained from drilled wells, evaluation of rapid gas flow in porous materials, tracking flow fronts or dynamic interaction of multiphase flows.