DATA MANAGEMENT OF RAPIDLY OBTAINED CORE CHARACTERIZATIONS

In an effort to standardize data dissemination and utilize available samples, the Computed Tomography (CT) lab at the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) in Morgantown, WV, uses CT imaging and processing and Multi-Sensor Core Logger (MSCL) facilities to rapidly characterize large volumes of core for public dissemination and enters available sample information into the online System for Earth Sample Registration (SESAR). CT imaging analysis and measurements of P-wave velocity, magnetic susceptibility, and XRF provide a unique look into of the internal structure of core and macroscopic changes in lithology. The primary impetus of this work is a collaboration between NETL, universities, and state surveys, to characterize core from multiple wells to better understand the structure and variation of key formations and provide access to this data for further research and analysis. Data sets were obtained for multiple unconventional shales, sandstones, evaporites and other key units. The resultant very large datasets are available in a series of reports and can be accessed through NETL's Energy Data eXchange (EDX) online system. All equipment and techniques used are non-destructive, enabling a detailed digital record of the core that is accessible and can be referenced for future studies before any destructive testing or degradation. Qualitative analysis of the medical CT images, coupled with measurements from the MSCL are useful in identifying zones of interest for more detailed analysis, experimentation, and quantification. The ability to quickly identify key areas for more detailed study with higher resolution saves time and resources in future studies. The combination of methods used provides a multi-scale analysis of core and provides both a macro and micro description that is relevant for many subsurface related examinations that have traditionally been performed at NETL. Adding over 1200 samples to SESAR makes the existing suite of geomaterials located at NETL in WV (subsurface cores, outcrop fragments, and specimens remaining after in-house experiments) and their metadata (including, where available, sampling location, rock type, etc.) available to a wider audience. These data can be searched for and located easily and reused by a large and diverse community now and going forward.