0.5 Tesla permanent magnet MRI system with 150 mm bore for non-destructive imaging of materials under controlled temperature (-10°C to 110°C) and pressure (up to 20 MPa) conditions.
The High-Temperature High-Pressure Scan-MRI 150 System is a specialized 0.5 Tesla permanent magnet MRI platform engineered for non-destructive imaging and NMR analysis of materials under controlled environmental conditions. The system operates across temperature ranges from -10°C to 110°C with ±0.1°C precision and pressures up to 20 MPa (200 bar) with ±0.01 MPa control accuracy, enabling in-situ studies of phase behavior, structural changes, and fluid dynamics in geological cores, polymers, and industrial materials.
Built around a 150 mm diameter bore accommodating samples from 10 mm to 150 mm diameter and up to 120 mm length, the system employs a 12 cm gradient set delivering 25 mT/m gradient strength with 60 T/m/s slew rate for high-resolution 2D and 3D spatial encoding. The RF system spans 1-60 MHz with up to 200 W transmit power, supporting standard pulse sequences including spin echo, CPMG, inversion recovery, and saturation recovery for comprehensive relaxometry and imaging protocols.
The system operates on nuclear magnetic resonance principles where hydrogen nuclei in the sample align with the 0.5 Tesla permanent magnetic field. Radiofrequency pulses at the Larmor frequency (approximately 21.3 MHz for protons at 0.5T) excite the nuclear spins, and the subsequent relaxation signals are detected to generate T1 and T2 relaxation time maps that reflect local molecular environment and mobility.
Spatial encoding is achieved through the 12 cm gradient coil system that applies linear magnetic field variations up to 25 mT/m, enabling slice selection, phase encoding, and frequency encoding for 2D and 3D image reconstruction. The integrated temperature and pressure control systems maintain precise environmental conditions during data acquisition, with temperature regulation through resistive heating elements and pressure control via pneumatic or hydraulic systems connected to the sample chamber.
The wide RF frequency range (1-60 MHz) accommodates various nuclei beyond protons, including 13C and 23Na, while the high power capability (200 W) enables effective excitation of samples with short T2 relaxation times. Data processing employs Fourier transform algorithms to convert time-domain signals into frequency-domain spectra and spatial images, with T1 and T2 mapping protocols providing quantitative measurements of relaxation parameters that correlate with pore size distributions, fluid saturations, and molecular dynamics.
| Feature | This Product | Category Context |
|---|---|---|
| Magnetic Field Strength | 0.5 Tesla permanent magnet providing stable field without helium requirements | Entry-level systems often use 0.2-0.35 Tesla fields with limited stability |
| Sample Bore Diameter | 150 mm diameter bore accommodating samples up to full bore width | Standard systems typically offer 50-100 mm bore diameters |
| Temperature Control Range | -10°C to 110°C with ±0.1°C accuracy | Basic systems often limited to ambient to 80°C with lower accuracy |
| Pressure Capability | Up to 20 MPa (200 bar) with ±0.01 MPa control precision | Many systems operate at atmospheric pressure only |
| Gradient Strength | 25 mT/m maximum gradient with 60 T/m/s slew rate | Lower-end systems typically provide 5-15 mT/m gradients |
| RF Frequency Range | 1-60 MHz range with 200 W transmit power capability | Basic systems often limited to proton frequency only |
This system combines the spatial resolution advantages of higher magnetic field strength with the operational simplicity of permanent magnet technology. The 150 mm bore diameter and comprehensive environmental control capabilities distinguish it from standard benchtop systems, while the permanent magnet design offers cost and maintenance advantages over superconducting alternatives for materials research applications.
Perform gradient linearity verification using a grid phantom before each experimental series to ensure spatial encoding accuracy.
Gradient non-linearity can introduce systematic errors in quantitative imaging measurements and spatial registration.
Allow 30-60 minutes for temperature equilibration after changing setpoints before acquiring data.
Temperature gradients within samples can affect relaxation measurements and image quality until thermal equilibrium is reached.
Always verify pressure system integrity through leak testing before each high-pressure experiment.
Operating at 20 MPa requires careful attention to seal condition and fitting torque to prevent dangerous pressure releases.
Clean sample chambers thoroughly between different sample types to prevent cross-contamination.
Residual materials can affect subsequent measurements and may react with new samples under temperature and pressure conditions.
Optimize receiver gain settings for each sample type to maximize signal-to-noise ratio without saturation.
Proper gain setting ensures full dynamic range utilization and prevents digital clipping of high-amplitude signals.
Monitor RF power reflection during pulse sequences and adjust tuning/matching if reflection exceeds 5%.
High reflection indicates impedance mismatch that reduces excitation efficiency and can damage RF electronics.
Record environmental conditions (temperature, pressure, humidity) in experimental logs for each measurement session.
Environmental variations can affect sample properties and measurement reproducibility, particularly for long-duration studies.
Use reference standards with known T1 and T2 values to validate relaxometry measurements monthly.
Regular validation with certified standards ensures quantitative accuracy of relaxation time measurements over time.
ConductScience provides a comprehensive 1-year manufacturer warranty covering magnet assembly, gradient coils, RF electronics, and environmental control systems, with technical support including remote diagnostics and on-site service capabilities for this specialized research platform.
The following papers provide general scientific background on measurement techniques relevant to this product category. They are not validation studies of this specific instrument.
What sample geometries can be accommodated in the 150 mm bore system?
The system accepts samples from 10 mm minimum diameter up to the full 150 mm bore diameter, with maximum sample length of 120 mm. This range covers small material specimens, standard geological core plugs, and full-diameter cores for comprehensive analysis.
How does the permanent magnet design affect experimental protocols compared to superconducting systems?
The 0.5 Tesla permanent magnet eliminates helium requirements and provides excellent field stability without quench risks. While the field strength is lower than superconducting systems, it offers sufficient resolution for materials analysis with reduced operating costs and simplified maintenance.
What temperature and pressure combinations can be achieved simultaneously?
The system operates across the full temperature range (-10°C to 110°C) at pressures up to 20 MPa simultaneously, with independent control of both parameters. This enables simulation of various geological and industrial conditions including deep reservoir environments.
Which nuclei can be measured with the 1-60 MHz RF system?
At 0.5 Tesla, the system can measure protons (1H) at ~21 MHz, carbon-13 (13C) at ~5.3 MHz, sodium (23Na) at ~5.6 MHz, and other nuclei within the frequency range, enabling multinuclear NMR experiments for comprehensive materials characterization.
What spatial resolution can be achieved with the 25 mT/m gradient system?
Spatial resolution depends on acquisition parameters and sample properties, but the gradient strength and 60 T/m/s slew rate capability enable high-resolution imaging suitable for pore-scale analysis and detailed structural characterization. Specific resolution values depend on experimental requirements and signal-to-noise considerations.
How long are typical T1 and T2 measurement protocols?
Measurement times vary by pulse sequence and desired precision. Basic T1 measurements using inversion recovery typically require 10-30 minutes, while T2 measurements via CPMG can be completed in 1-5 minutes. Multi-slice imaging and comprehensive relaxometry mapping extend acquisition times accordingly.
What maintenance requirements exist for the environmental control systems?
Regular calibration verification of temperature and pressure sensors, periodic inspection of seals and fittings rated for 20 MPa operation, and cleaning of sample chambers between experiments. The permanent magnet requires no maintenance, while RF electronics and gradient coils need annual performance verification.
How does the system handle sample loading under pressure conditions?
Sample loading occurs at ambient conditions with subsequent pressurization through the integrated control system. Proper sample chamber design with rated pressure seals enables safe loading and pressurization to operating conditions while maintaining sample integrity and measurement accuracy.
