Laboratory Systems
NER’s systems are the result of years of experience making rock properties measurements at reservoir conditions. Progressive improvements in technique, analysis software, and hardware are incorporated into the design of each unit. Since each product we offer is used at NER, qualified technical support is always available.
The products NER offers were designed to support our comprehensive workflow. An initial suite of measurements is conducted at ambient conditions in the AutoScan; the AutoScan scanner is a unique measurement platform for quantitative profiles or maps of core properties along the core axis. NER developed this non-destructive measurement system specifically for rock typing, plug selection, and well-log data calibration in order to optimize the use of core for reservoir characterization. These data are analyzed in DataMiner to identify rock types and aid in the selection of core plugs.
Core plugs are tested in an AutoLab system at in situ conditions of pressure, temperature, and pore fluid composition over user specified loading protocols. Fully supported measurements include stress and strain, compressional and shear wave velocity, electrical resistivity, permeability, and acoustic emissions (AE).
Measurements at Ambient Conditions: AutoScan Platform
The AutoScan is a unique measurement platform developed by NER for the detailed quantitative and efficient description of core properties. NER developed this non-destructive measurement system specifically for rock typing, plug selection, and well-log data calibration in order to optimize the use of core for reservoir characterization.
A detailed description of core properties and their correlations is made possible via the use of interchangeable probes for ultrasonic velocity (compressional and shear), complex electrical impedance, impulse hammer mechanical testing, gas permeability, composition (FTIR), and digital photography. Formation heterogeneity for each of these properties can be measured in a single setup on up to 4 meters (12 feet) of core using point measurements and surface scans. A high-precision computer-controlled XY gantry guided by a laser ranging device positions each probe at programmed locations and sample measurement intervals as small as 0.1 millimeter.
- See full list with definitions
- Permeability
- Compressional and Shear Wave Velocity
- Resistivity
- Impulse Hammer
- FTIR
- Camera
- DataMiner
Measurements at Temperature and Pressure: AutoLab Series
New England Research, Inc. (NER) offers a range of apparatuses to measure the effects of temperature, pressure, and rock-fluid interaction on deformation and the elastic, electrical, and flow properties of rock. Each apparatus supports rock property measurements for a wide range of applications over complex loading trajectories at reservoir pore pressures, confining pressures, and temperatures. Our systems are the result of decades of experience on a wide variety of research and client directed projects on the behavior of rocks at in situ subsurface conditions. Progressive improvements in technique, analysis software, and hardware are incorporated into the design of each unit with the help and feedback from leading researchers.
Each system is controlled with our proprietary AutoLab v6 software that has a built-in que system that allows the user to graphically put together an advanced protocol in minutes. Data from all the devices in the system are collected and stored for post-test processing. Standard Options for the AutoLab series include force, strain, velocity, permeability, complex impedance, and acoustic emissions. Each apparatus supports standard ASTM and ISRM rock mechanics appropriate to the system,
- See full list with definitiions
- Deformation and Strain
- Compressional and Shear Wave Velocity
- Multi-axis Velocity Transducer
- High Temperature Velocity Measurements
- Steady State Permeability
- Low Permeability
- Combined Velocity-Low Permeability Transducer
- Complex Impedance
- Combined Velocity-Complex Electrical Impedance Transducer
- Acoustic Emissions:
- Detection and Location
- Triaxial Loading
- CO2 Brine Saturation Module