GFZ German research centre for geo sciences

X-ray Computer Tomography

Description:

  • Ultra-high resolution CT system for non-destructive X-ray imaging and 3D-reconstruction of rocks (nanotom 180NF, GE phoenixIx-ray)

Specifications:

  • Sample size: < 6 (12) cm
  • X-ray tube: <180 kV, 880 µA (max. 15 W)
  • X-ray detector: 5 Mpixel flat panel (12 bit resolution)
  • Voxel-resolution: 0.5 – 30 µm (depending on sample size)

He Gas Pycnometry

Description:

  • High precision He-gas driven pycnometer for non-destructive measurement of matrix volume of rocks (AccuPyc, micromeritics)

Specifications:

  • Chamber size: 1, 3.5, 10 ccm (AccuPyc 1340), 100 ccm (AccuPyc 1030)
  • Accuracy: ~ 0.06%
  • Pressure: < 0.14 MPa (gas)

Gas Adsorption Porosimetry

Description:

  • Static volumetric gas adsorption for measurement of specific surface area, pore volume and pore size distribution of rocks (Surfer, Porotec).

Specifications:

  • Sample size: < 10 ccm
  • Pore size range: 0.35 – 500 nm
  • Specific surface area: > 0.01 m2/g

Mercury Porosimetry

Description:

  • Mercury porosimeter for measurement of pore size distribution, pore volume and specific pore surface of rocks (Porosimeter 2000 WS, Macropore 120, Porotec).

Specifications:

  • Sample size: < 2.2 ccm
  • Pore size range: 3.7 – 7500 nm
  • Pressure: < 200 MPa

BIB Cooling Cross Section Polisher

Description: 

  • Broad Ion Beam (BIB) polisher (Jeol IB-19520CCP) operating with an Ar-Ion beam for damage-free preparation of 1 - 2 sq mm large, almost planar surfaces. This allows high-resolution SEM analysis of fine-grained material such as clays and shales, including detailed investigations of texture and fabric of their pores.

Specifications:

  • Sample size: 10 x 8 x 3 mm
  • Temperature: ~ -140 °C to 30 °C (coolant: liquid nitrogen)
  • Acceleration voltage: 2 - 8 kV
  • Milling speed: ~ 500 µm / hour
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