WHAT HAPPENS IN THE PORE, NO LONGER STAYS IN THE PORE: OPPORTUNITIES AND LIMITATIONS FOR POROUS MEDIA CHARACTERIZATION AND PROCESS QUANTIFICATION USING X-RAY TOMOGRAPHY

During this presentation, you will receive an overview of the current state of imaging of porous media systems—and processes taking place within them—using x-ray tomography, a technique that allows for three-dimensional observation and measurement of variables internal to an otherwise opaque object.

Gain insight on how x-ray tomography has advanced to the point where it is possible to probe porous media in great detail, allowing for fully quantitative analyses of processes and mechanisms at the pore scale. Detail resolution ranges from hundreds of microns for cm-sized samples down to hundreds of nm for micron-sized objects. Contrast depends on density and atomic number of the imaged object, and creative use of contrast agents can help delineate otherwise difficult-to-identify features.

Also discussed will be technique limitations, as well as new potential advances that will allow for exciting new research in coming years. Applications of the technique to remediation of non-aqueous phase liquid in groundwater, the fundamentals of multiphase flow, and geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide will be presented.