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Method and apparatus utilizing ionizing and microwave radiation for saturation determination of water, oil and a gas in a core sample

Patent ·
OSTI ID:7250371
A system is described for determining the relative permeabilities of gas, water and oil in a core sample has a microwave emitter/detector subsystem and an X-ray emitter/detector subsystem. A core holder positions the core sample between microwave absorbers which prevent diffracted microwaves from reaching a microwave detector where they would reduce the signal-to-noise ratio of the microwave measurements. The microwave emitter/detector subsystem and the X-ray emitter/detector subsystem each have linear calibration characteristics, allowing one subsystem to be calibrated with respect to the other subsystem. The dynamic range of microwave measurements is extended through the use of adjustable attenuators. This also facilitates the use of core samples with wide diameters. The stratification characteristics of the fluids may be observed with a windowed cell separator at the outlet of the core sample. The condensation of heavy hydrocarbon gas and the dynamic characteristics of the fluids are observed with a sight glass at the outlet of the core sample. 11 figs.
DOE Contract Number:
FC22-83FE60149
Assignee:
Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
Patent Number(s):
A; US 5341101
Application Number:
PPN: US 8-050977
OSTI ID:
7250371
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English