MicroScan Benchtop NMR Core Analyzer
Benchtop NMR analyzer with permanent magnet design for quantitative rock core analysis, measuring porosity, permeability, and fluid saturation in petroleum laboratory workflows.
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Director of Science · ConductScience
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The MicroScan Benchtop NMR Core Analyzer is a permanent magnet nuclear magnetic resonance instrument designed for quantitative analysis of rock core samples in petroleum and geological laboratories. Available in four configurations (12 MHz or 2 MHz field strength, with 25 mm or 40 mm bore diameters), the system provides rapid measurement of porosity, permeability estimation, and fluid saturation parameters essential for reservoir characterization.
The permanent NdFeB magnet design eliminates cryogenic requirements while maintaining measurement precision suitable for routine core analysis workflows. The compact benchtop format accommodates high-throughput sample processing without the space and infrastructure demands of superconducting NMR systems. T1 and T2 relaxation measurements enable differentiation between bound and movable fluids, supporting both total and effective porosity determinations.
How It Works
Nuclear magnetic resonance relaxometry measures the relaxation behavior of hydrogen nuclei (protons) in water and hydrocarbon fluids within porous media. When placed in the permanent magnetic field, proton spins align with the field direction. Radio frequency pulses tip the magnetization away from equilibrium, and the subsequent relaxation back to equilibrium provides quantitative information about the local environment surrounding the hydrogen atoms.
T1 (longitudinal) relaxation reflects the rate of magnetization recovery along the magnetic field direction, while T2 (transverse) relaxation measures the decay of magnetization in the plane perpendicular to the field. In porous rocks, relaxation rates correlate with pore size distribution—smaller pores exhibit faster relaxation due to increased surface-to-volume ratios and stronger surface relaxation effects.
The instrument applies Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) pulse sequences to measure T2 distributions, enabling differentiation between bound fluids in micropores and movable fluids in larger pore spaces. T2 cutoff values separate bound and free fluid components, providing estimates of effective porosity and permeability through established petrophysical correlations.
Features & Benefits
Configuration
- 12 MHz / 25 mm
- 12 MHz / 40 mm
- 2 MHz / 25 mm
- 2 MHz / 40 mm
Magnet Type
- Permanent NdFeB
Automation Level
- semi-automated
Brand
- Greenwaves Scientific
Research Domain
- Analytical Chemistry
- Environmental Monitoring
- Materials Science
Weight
- 300.0 kg
Dimensions
- L: 80.0 mm
- W: 60.0 mm
- H: 80.0 mm
| Feature | This Product | Typical Alternative | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magnet Technology | Permanent NdFeB magnet (2 MHz or 12 MHz) | Entry-level models often use electromagnets requiring continuous power | Eliminates ongoing power consumption and provides stable field without electromagnetic interference |
| Bore Diameter Options | 25 mm and 40 mm configurations available | Basic systems typically offer single bore size | Accommodates various core sample dimensions without requiring sample modification |
| Field Strength Flexibility | Dual frequency options (2 MHz and 12 MHz) | Fixed frequency systems common in this price range | Allows optimization of measurement sensitivity based on sample characteristics and analysis requirements |
| Measurement Capabilities | Both T1 and T2 relaxation analysis | Some instruments limited to T2-only measurements | Provides comprehensive relaxation characterization for enhanced fluid discrimination and pore structure analysis |
| Installation Requirements | Benchtop design with standard laboratory power | Larger systems may require dedicated installation and specialized infrastructure | Integrates into existing laboratory spaces without facility modifications or additional infrastructure costs |
| Operating Cost Structure | No cryogenic or continuous cooling requirements | Superconducting systems require ongoing helium costs | Reduces total cost of ownership through elimination of consumable cooling requirements |
The MicroScan provides permanent magnet convenience with flexible bore sizes and dual frequency options for comprehensive T2 and T1 analysis. The benchtop design eliminates infrastructure requirements while maintaining quantitative measurement capabilities essential for core analysis workflows.
Practical Tips
Verify system performance using distilled water reference standards at regular intervals to monitor signal stability and relaxation time accuracy.
Why: Reference standards provide traceable calibration verification and early detection of system drift.
Keep the permanent magnet environment free of ferromagnetic materials and avoid temperature fluctuations greater than 5°C during measurements.
Why: Temperature stability maintains field homogeneity and measurement reproducibility over time.
Allow core samples to reach thermal equilibrium with the magnet temperature before measurement to minimize baseline drift.
Why: Temperature equilibration reduces thermal gradients that can affect relaxation measurements and signal stability.
Use appropriate repetition times (5×T1) between pulse sequences to ensure complete magnetization recovery and quantitative results.
Why: Insufficient recovery time leads to systematic underestimation of signal intensity and incorrect porosity calculations.
If signal-to-noise appears degraded, check sample positioning and verify the probe tuning matches the measurement frequency.
Why: Proper sample positioning and probe tuning maximize signal coupling and measurement sensitivity.
Maintain minimum safe distances from the permanent magnet and follow established protocols for handling magnetic materials in the laboratory.
Why: Strong permanent magnets pose risks to personnel with medical implants and can damage magnetic storage devices.
Document sample saturation history and fluid properties when interpreting T2 distributions for permeability estimation.
Why: Accurate permeability correlations require knowledge of wetting phase properties and saturation conditions.
Apply appropriate T2 cutoff values (typically 3-33 ms) based on sample lithology when separating bound and movable fluid components.
Why: Cutoff selection significantly affects effective porosity calculations and should reflect actual pore structure characteristics.
Setup Guide
What’s in the Box
- MicroScan NMR analyzer (main unit)
- RF probe assembly (typical)
- Power supply and cables
- Computer interface cable (USB/Ethernet)
- Acquisition software package
- Sample holders and positioning fixtures (typical)
- Calibration reference standards (typical)
- User manual and technical documentation
- Magnet safety guidelines and procedures
Warranty
ConductScience provides a one-year manufacturer warranty covering instrument defects and technical support. Extended service contracts available for ongoing calibration verification and maintenance support.
Compliance
What is the typical measurement time for T2 relaxation analysis of a core sample?
Measurement time depends on sample characteristics and required signal-to-noise ratio, typically ranging from 5-30 minutes for standard core samples. Samples with fast relaxation may require shorter repetition times but more averages.
How does the permanent magnet design affect measurement sensitivity compared to superconducting systems?
Permanent magnet systems operate at lower field strengths (2-12 MHz vs 60+ MHz for superconducting), resulting in reduced sensitivity but eliminating cryogenic requirements. Signal-to-noise is adequate for most core analysis applications.
Can the system distinguish between oil and water in saturated core samples?
T2 relaxation can differentiate fluids based on their relaxation characteristics, though definitive fluid identification requires knowledge of sample history and complementary analysis methods. T1/T2 ratios provide additional discrimination capability.
What sample preparation is required for accurate porosity measurements?
Samples should be fully saturated with water or brine of known properties. Temperature equilibration and proper sample sizing for the selected bore diameter are essential for quantitative results.
How is permeability estimated from T2 measurements?
Permeability estimation uses empirical correlations between T2 geometric mean and measured permeability, such as the Timur-Coates equation. Correlation constants must be calibrated for specific rock types and measurement conditions.
What maintenance is required for the permanent magnet system?
Permanent magnets require minimal maintenance but should be protected from temperature extremes and mechanical shock. Regular cleaning of bore assemblies and periodic system calibration verification are recommended.
Can the system measure carbonate rocks with complex pore structures?
Yes, T2 distributions can characterize complex pore systems including microporosity in carbonates. Multi-exponential fitting algorithms resolve overlapping relaxation components from different pore size populations.
What data output formats are provided by the acquisition software?
Consult product datasheet for specific data export formats. Standard outputs typically include raw signal data, processed T2 distributions, and derived parameters such as porosity and T2 statistics.
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