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At least 127 records · Page 7
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Computed Tomography Scanning and Geophysical Measurements of State 16-2 Well in the Paradox Basin

The computed tomography (CT) facilities and the Multi-Sensor Core Logger (MSCL) at the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) in Morgantown, West Virginia, were used to characterize Paradox Basin core from Grand County, Utah. The primary impetus of this work is a collaboration between the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the Utah Geological Survey, the University of Utah, and Zephyr Energy to characterize and make publicly available core information from the Cane Creek interval of the Paradox Basin. This stratigraphic well and the core data produced in this report will aid in understanding the structural complexities of the Cane Creek interval and its production potential.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Computed Tomography Scanning and Geophysical Measurements of the Patterson #5-25 Well in Western Kansas

The computed tomography (CT) facilities and the Multi-Sensor Core Logger (MSCL) at the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) site in Morgantown, West Virginia, were used to characterize core from the Patterson Field site. This core came from a vertical well (Patterson #5-25 well) that was obtained as part of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) sponsored Integrated Midcontinental Stacked Carbon Storage Hub. The primary impetus of this work is a collaboration between NETL and the Kansas Geological Survey to characterize core from the Patterson Field site. The 625 ft of whole core from the Atoka Formation to Precambrian Basement was characterized at NETL. As part of this effort, bulk scans of core were obtained. This report, and the associated scans, provide detailed datasets not typically made publicly available for carbon capture utilization and storage analysis. The resultant datasets are presented in this report and can be accessed from NETL's Energy Data eXchange (EDX) online system using the following link: https://edx.netl.doe.gov/dataset/patterson-5-25-well. All equipment and techniques used were non-destructive, enabling future examinations and analyses to be performed on these cores. None of the equipment used was suitable for direct visualization of the shale pore space, although fractures and discontinuities were detectable with the methods tested. Low resolution CT imagery with the NETL medical CT scanner was performed on the entire core. Qualitative analysis of the medical CT images, coupled with x-ray fluorescence (XRF), P-wave, and magnetic susceptibility measurements from the MSCL are useful in identifying zones of interest for more detailed analysis as well as fractured zones. The ability to quickly identify key areas for more detailed study with higher resolution will save time and resources in future studies. The combination of methods used provided a multi-scale analysis of this core and provided both a macro and micro description of the core that is relevant for many subsurface energy related examinations that have traditionally been performed at NETL.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Computed Tomography Scanning and Petrophysical Measurements of Eastern Williston Basin Twin Buttes and Hagel Formations

The computed tomography (CT) facilities and the Multi-Sensor Core Logger (MSCL) at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) in Morgantown, West Virginia, were used to characterize core from two wells that represent coal resources across North Dakota. These include the MC23080C Well in Mercer County and the 23-B001 Well in Oliver County. The primary impetus of this work was to capture a detailed digital representation of the core from the MC23080C and 23-B001 Wells. The collaboration between the NETL and the Energy and Environment Research Center (EERC) enables other research entities to access information about this potential carbon ore, rare earth, and critical mineral resource plays in the Williston Basin. All equipment and techniques used were non-destructive, enabling future examinations and analyses to be performed on these cores. Fractures, discontinuities, and millimeter-scale features were readily detectable with the medical CT scanner acquired images. Imaging with the NETL medical CT scanner was performed on entire cores. Qualitative analysis of the medical CT images, coupled with X-ray fluorescence (XRF), gamma density, and magnetic susceptibility measurements from the MSCL were useful in identifying zones of interest for potential future analysis. Higher-resolution industrial and micro-CT images were acquired from selected zones along the depth of the core to visualize the structure in higher detail. The ability to quickly identify key areas for more detailed study with higher resolution will save time and resources in future studies. The combination of methods used provides a multi-scale analysis of the core, with the resulting macro- and micro-descriptions relevant to many subsurface energy-related examinations traditionally performed at NETL.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗
NASA NTRS1982

Model studies of laser absorption computed tomography for remote air pollution measurement

Model studies of the potential of laser absorption-computed tomography are presented which demonstrate the possibility of sensitive remote atmospheric pollutant measurements, over kilometer-sized areas, with two-dimensional resolution, at modest laser source powers. An analysis of this tomographic reconstruction process as a function of measurement SNR, laser power, range, and system geometry, shows that the system is able to yield two-dimensional maps of pollutant concentrations at ranges and resolutions superior to those attainable with existing, direct-detection laser radars.

Wolfe, D. C., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Assessment of Localized Deformations in Sand Using X-Ray Computed Tomography

The internal fabric and localized deformation patterns of triaxial sand specimens were investigated using Computed Tomography (CT). Three displacement-controlled, conventional, drained axisymmetric (triaxial) experiments were conducted on dry Ottawa sand specimens at very low effective confining stresses (0.05, 0.52, and 1.30 kPa) in a microgravity environment aboard the Space Shuttle during the NASA STS-79 mission. CT scanning was p'erformed on these flight specimens, as well as on an uncompressed specimen and a specimen tested in a terrestrial laboratory at 1.30 kPa effective confining stress. CT demonstrated high accuracy in detecting specimen inhomogeneity and localization patterns. Formation of deformation patterns is dependent on the effective confining stress and gravity. Multiple symmetrical radial shear bands were observed in the specimens tested in a microgravity environment. In the axial direction, two major conical surfaces were developed. Nonsymmetrical spatial deformation was observed in the 1-G specimen. Analysis tools were developed to quantify the spatial density change. Void ratio variation within and outside the shear bands was calculated and discussed.

Alshibli, Khalid A↗
DOE OSTI2020

Phase distribution in Fischer-Tropsch mimicked slurry bubble column via computed tomography

This study aims to investigate the phases distribution and hydrodynamics in an air-Therminol LT-glass beads slurry bubble column reactor in bubbly and churn-turbulent flow regimes by implementing a gamma-ray computed tomography. It is found that gas holdup increases with increasing superficial gas velocity and operating pressure while increasing solids loading has an opposite effect on gas holdup measurements. It is noticed that the pressure effect is more significant at high solids loading and the solids loading is relatively more substantial at lower pressure. Solids loading has the most significant a stronger effect on the solids holdup profile than on the gas holdup profile. Current results were compared with the Sedimentation-Dispersion Model (SDM) predictions. Overall, the findings of this study advance the knowledge of the true behavior of phases distribution in FT mimicked slurry bubble columns which are pertinent in designing such reactors.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2025

Impacts of Biomass Feedstock Pre-Processing on Heat and Mass Transfer During Pyrolysis Using X-Ray Computed Tomography and Multiscale Modeling

Knowledge of the transport properties of biomass particles such as porosity, tortuosity, and permeability is paramount for high-fidelity modeling of biomass pyrolysis due to the heat and mass transfer limitations imposed by particle microstructure. X-ray computed tomography (XCT) is a non-destructive imaging method that enables full 3D reconstructions of the biomass particle microstructure with high resolution, permitting direct calculation of porosity, tortuosity, and permeability from real particle geometries. In this study, XCT imaging revealed the 3D microstructures of particles and chars from pyrolytic conversion of cylindrically cut or milled/pelletized loblolly pine samples. The porosity, tortuosity, and permeability were calculated directly from the XCT geometries via open-source microstructural analysis tool MATBOX+TauFactor (https://github.com/NREL/MATBOX_Microstructure_analysis_toolbox) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations using our solver, Mesoflow (https://github.com/NREL/mesoflow). These properties were used in a reactor scale model developed in COMSOL of the single particle reactor at NREL to investigate the impact of feedstock pre-processing on biomass conversion during pyrolysis with rigorous experimental validation.

biomass↗
DOE OSTI2020

Development of low temperature fuel cell holders for Operando x-ray micro and nano computed tomography to visualize water distribution

Abstract Synchrotron x-ray imaging techniques, like x-ray computed tomography (CT) and radiography have proven instrumental in expanding the communities knowledge of complex transport and reaction kinetics in electrochemical devices such as fuel cells and electrolyzers. This work presents the development of novel x-ray CT imaging techniques for operando visualization of water within low temperature fuel cells at spatial resolutions spanning the micro and nano scales. The design of operando sample holders, for both micro x-ray CT and nano CT experiments is described in depth, and prototypes of these sample holders were evaluated across a set of requirements, the most important of which are x-ray transmissibility, electrical conductivity and mechanical stability. Water segmentation from micro x-ray CT data was enabled by an image subtraction method, where the image without water is subtracted from the one with water. Through iterative experimentations, the operando nano CT cell was developed to optimize mechanical compression, electric conductivity and gas flow. While three-dimensional fuel cell reconstructions were shown possible, there remain challenges to overcome at typical lower energies (8 keV) due to beam damage, whereas it is not as significant for higher energies (>17.5 keV).

Kulkarni, Devashish↗
DOE OSTI2022

Computed Tomography Scanning and Geophysical Measurements of the Smackover Formation from the Roberson 18-19 Core

The computed tomography (CT) facilities and the Multi-Sensor Core Logger (MSCL) at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) site in Morgantown, West Virginia, were used to characterize the Upper Jurassic (Oxfordian) Smackover limestone in the Roberson 18-19 1-15H core retrieved from the Atlanta Field, Columbia County, Arkansas. The 365.68-ft long Roberson core came from a vertical well at depths 8,802 ft to 9,169.60 ft, drilled by Southwestern Energy targeting the Smackover Formation as a potential unconventional oil reservoir. The primary impetus of this work was to non-destructively characterize core from the Smackover Formation that was acquired through a core exchange with Southwestern Energy. The Smackover Formation is an unconventional limestone play in southern Arkansas. This report and the associated scans provide detailed datasets not typically made publicly available from unconventional limestone for analysis. The resultant datasets are presented in this report and can be accessed from NETL’s Energy Data eXchange (EDX) online system using the following link: https://edx.netl.doe.gov/dataset/roberson-smackover.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1999

Quantitative Computer Tomography for Determining Composition of Microgravity and Ground Based Solid Solutions

Advances in x-ray Computer Tomography (CT) have been led by the medical profession, and by evaluation of industrial products, particularly castings. Porosity can readily be determined as a function of the density of a material, and CT is thus an industrially important NDE tool. Providing high purity, 100% dense standards of pure elements and compounds can be fabricated, the composition of solid solution alloys can be determined by measuring the CT number, which is a function of the absorption of the sample. Average densities across slices 1 mm thick can generally be determined to better than 1 percent. With present technology this spatial sensitivity is less than ideal, but important benefits can nevertheless be obtained by using CT, particularly single crystals, prior to making any destructive assault upon the sample. The sample can in fact be examined prior to removal from the mold within which it has been grown and, in the cases of microgravity flight samples, before removal from the cartridge assembly. This greatly assists the researcher in the characterization of the products, particularly as a guide to cutting and sampling. Examples of work with germanium-silicon alloys and mercury cadmium telluride taken with a radioactive cobalt source will be demonstrated.

Gillies, D. C.↗
NASA NTRS2014

X-Ray Micro-Computed Tomography of Apollo Samples as a Curation Technique Enabling Better Research

X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) is a technique that has been used to research meteorites for some time and many others], and recently it is becoming a more common tool for the curation of meteorites and Apollo samples. Micro-CT is ideally suited to the characterization of astromaterials in the curation process as it can provide textural and compositional information at a small spatial resolution rapidly, nondestructively, and without compromising the cleanliness of the samples (e.g., samples can be scanned sealed in Teflon bags). This data can then inform scientists and curators when making and processing future sample requests for meteorites and Apollo samples. Here we present some preliminary results on micro-CT scans of four Apollo regolith breccias. Methods: Portions of four Apollo samples were used in this study: 14321, 15205, 15405, and 60639. All samples were 8-10 cm in their longest dimension and approximately equant. These samples were micro-CT scanned on the Nikon HMXST 225 System at the Natural History Museum in London. Scans were made at 205-220 kV, 135-160 microamps beam current, with an effective voxel size of 21-44 microns. Results: Initial examination of the data identify a variety of mineral clasts (including sub-voxel FeNi metal grains) and lithic clasts within the regolith breccias. Textural information within some of the lithic clasts was also discernable. Of particular interest was a large basalt clast (approx.1.3 cc) found within sample 60639, which appears to have a sub-ophitic texture. Additionally, internal void space, e.g., fractures and voids, is readily identifiable. Discussion: It is clear from the preliminary data that micro-CT analyses are able to identify important "new" clasts within the Apollo breccias, and better characterize previously described clasts or igneous samples. For example, the 60639 basalt clast was previously believed to be quite small based on its approx.0.5 sq cm exposure on the surface of the main mass. These scans show the clast to be approx.4.5 g, however (assuming a density of approx.3.5 g/cc). This is large enough for detailed studies including multiple geo-chronometers. This basalt clast is of particular interest as it is the largest Apollo 16 basalt, and it is the only mid-TiO2 basalt in the Apollo sample suite. By identifying the location of interesting clasts or grains within a sample, we will be able to make more informed decisions about where to cut a sample in order to best expose clasts of interest for future study. Moreover, knowing the location of internal defects (e.g., fractures) will allow more precise chipping and extraction of clasts or grains. By combining micro-CT scans with compositional techniques like micro x-ray fluorescence (particularly on sawn slabs), we will be able to provide even more comprehensive information to scientists trying to best select samples that fit their scientific needs.

Ziegler, R. A.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Synchrotron micro-computed tomography analysis of neutron-irradiated U-Mo fuel

The three-dimensional (3D) microstructure of neutron-irradiated uranium-10 wt.% molybdenum (U-10Mo) fuel with a burn-up of 9.8 × 10 21 fissions/cm 3 was characterized using a novel, multi-modal synchrotron micro-computed tomography approach combining propagation-based phase-contrast enhanced and absorption contrast techniques. The porosity development, porosity interconnectedness, swelling, composition, local thickness of the zirconium (Zr) diffusion barrier, and the influence of the fuel–cladding interaction on the local composition and pore morphology, were uniquely determined in 3D. Two cuboids were produced using a focused ion beam-scanning electron microscope at the Zr diffusion barrier–fuel interface and in the bulk fuel. The bulk fuel sample swelled by 53.3 [+9.7/−3.1]%, while the fuel near the Zr–fuel interface swelled by 63.3 [+14.7/−7.2]%. The average local thickness of the Zr diffusion barrier decreased by 53 %, compared to the expected pre-irradiated thickness. Four pore morphology regions were identified initiating parallel to the fuel–Zr interaction region: (1) an interaction layer of suppressed porosity, (2) a layer of elongated and interconnected porosity, (3) a transition zone of low porosity, and (4) a layer of unoriented porosity representative of the bulk fuel behavior. The increase in porosity near the diffusion barrier corresponded to a higher U concentration compared to that in the bulk fuel. The interconnected porosity in the fuel near the diffusion barrier was extensive and oriented parallel to the diffusion barrier, while the bulk fuel had more compact and isolated pore networks. The interaction layer, despite having suppressed porosity, was nearly 100 wt.% U. Porosity suppression at the diffusion barrier corresponds to the expected reduction in radiation-driven diffusion of Xe at the interface despite the anticipated increase in fission product nucleation originating from a higher U concentration. In conclusion, the novel 3D insights of the porosity, swelling, and compositional variations characterized herein can improve the fidelity of fuel performance codes for proliferation-resistant fuels for research and test reactors.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Post-irradiation examination of AGR-3/4 TRISO fuel compacts using three-dimensional X-ray computed tomography

The AGR-3/4 irradiation tests combined the third and fourth planned irradiation experiments in the US Department of Energy’s Advanced Gas Reactor (AGR) testing campaign of tri-structural isotropic (TRISO) fuel compacts. In this article, we present post-irradiation examination (PIE) using X-ray computed tomography (XCT) of two unirradiated and two irradiated compacts from the AGR-3/4 irradiation tests. The irradiated compacts studied (compact 7–1 and compact 12–4) represent the upper and lower limit of burnup within the AGR-3/4 irradiation experiment. This article presents a detailed quantitative analysis on the post-irradiation structure of TRISO fuel compacts. Various quantitative parameters including shape, size, and packing of kernels, and their spatial distribution, were utilized to gain insights into the structural changes caused by irradiation. The equivalent diameter and sphericity were found to increase and decrease, respectively, in irradiated compact 7–1 due to its higher burnup. Nearest neighbor distance between fuel kernels decreased after irradiation, suggesting irradiation-induced shrinkage of graphitic matrix. Furthermore, each compact in AGR-3/4 irradiation tests contained 20 designed-to-fail (DTF) fuel particles that were meant to act as a source of fission product release to the experiment test train. Furthermore, in the present work, all DTF fuel particles in the four compacts studied were identified, and it was found that they exhibited larger kernel swelling in compact 12–4 and smaller kernel swelling in compact 7–1, compared to the driver particles.

11 - NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Computed Tomography Scanning and Geophysical Measurements of UW Enterprises LP 1-250512-129 Well in Southwestern Indiana

The computed tomography (CT) facilities and the Multi-Sensor Core Logger (MSCL) at the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) in Morgantown, West Virginia, were used to characterize Illinois Basin core of the Upper Devonian-Early Mississippian New Albany Shale Formation from Posey County, Indiana. The primary impetus of this work is a collaboration between Indiana Geological and Water Survey at Indiana University Bloomington, NETL, and Woolsey Operating Company LLC to characterize and make publicly available core information from the New Albany Shale of the Illinois Basin. Core characterization of this unconventional oil/gas well will aid in understanding the lithology changes and the fracture complexity of the New Albany Shale. There is a potential for this formation to be developed in the future for critical mineral and rare earth element (CM/REE) extraction. The resultant datasets are presented in this report and can be accessed from NETL's Energy Data eXchange (EDX) online system using the following link: https://edx.netl.doe.gov/dataset/uw-enterprises. All equipment and techniques used were non-destructive, enabling future examinations and analyses to be performed on this core. None of the equipment used was suitable for direct visualization of the pore space in the fine-grained structures studied; however, fractures, discontinuities, and millimeter-scale features were readily detectable with the methods tested. Imaging with the NETL medical CT scanner was performed on the entire core. Targeted higher resolution CT scanning of select sections was performed with NETL’s industrial and micro-CT scanner. Qualitative analysis of the medical CT images, coupled with X-ray fluorescence (XRF), P-wave, and magnetic susceptibility measurements from the MSCL were useful in identifying zones of interest for more detailed analysis. The ability to quickly identify key areas for more detailed study with higher resolution will save time and resources in future studies. The combination of methods used provides a multi-scale analysis of the core; the resulting macro and micro descriptions are relevant to many subsurface energy related examinations traditionally performed at NETL.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Dose Measurement on Microfocus Computed Tomography Scanner

This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlines the steps for measuring dose in x-ray computed tomography (CT) scans [1] on the MicroCT (MCT) system at the High Explosives Application Facility (HEAF) and other systems relevant to the Livermore Explosives Detection Program (LEDP). These systems include: the DHS LLNL MCT in HEAF, aka HEAFCAT, DHS LLNL MCT Testbed (TB) in B327, and the MCTs at TRMG, HEX2, HMEX, CBX, and IPMO, as described in Section 4.

42 ENGINEERING↗
NASA NTRS2004

Computed Tomography and its Application for the 3D Characterization of Coarse Grained Meteorites

With judicious selection of parameters, computed tomography can provide high precision density data. Such data can lead to a non-destructive determination of the phases and phase distribution within large solid objects. Of particular interest is the structure of the Mundrabilla meteorite, which has 25 volumes, percent of a sulfide within a metallic meteorite. 3D digital imaging has enabled a quantitative evaluation of the distribution and contiguity of the phases to be determined.

Gillies, Donald C.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Defect And Damage Characterization Of Additively Manufactured Titanium Alloy Ti-5553 Using Traditional Computed Tomography Volume Segmentation And Machine Learning Algorithms

The mechanical response of a component is affected by defects, such as porosity, arising from the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) fabrication process. Thus, it is important to develop accurate and efficient inspection methods for identifying porosity. In this work, porosity identified in an X-ray computed tomography (XCT) volume of a Ti-5553 coupon was compared to pores identified in a serial sectioned volume that represented the ground truth. The porosity of the XCT scan was identified using contrast-based, ISO-based, and machine learning (ML) methods for segmentation. Large inherent porosity was easy to identify, but the ISO thresholding still struggled due to the intensity gradient resulting from both the beam hardening in XCT and the uneven lighting of the serial sectioning panels. Further, the results show that ML-based methods were better suited for identifying small pores and reducing the amount of false positives. Additionally, high strain-rate impact testing was done on some of the XCT samples as well as post-mortem XCT inspection, and the same suite of segmentation and quantification tools were used to identify the large spallation cavities. The comparison of porosity pre- and post-mortem provides insight on the influence of the LPBF porosity on the formation of spall cavities.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Seeing the whole picture: Methods for getting the most from micro X-ray computed tomography of TRISO nuclear fuel particles

Tristructural isotropic (TRISO) coated fuel particles are a nuclear fuel form under extensive study for use in advanced nuclear reactor concepts. TRISO fuels are subjected to high temperature neutron irradiations and then examined to assess their performance by determining fission product retention and studying morphological changes. Micro X-ray computed tomography is one method of nondestructively studying the effects of TRISO performance. This work addresses the need for image processing to remove X-ray tomographic reconstruction artifacts that prevent the study of TRISO features, as the TRISO particles’ high Z kernel can introduce metal artifacts that degrade the image quality in the surrounding low Z coating layers. These metal artifacts were reduced by imaging the TRISO particles with both high- and low-energy X-rays and applying a mask to the radiographs obtained with low-energy X-rays to digitally remove the dense fuel kernel region. These masked radiographs were then used to produce a tomographic reconstruction which was combined with the tomographic reconstruction of the high-energy data. This enabled the relatively-low-density TRISO buffer layer to be examined in more detail, providing information on irradiation induced dimensional changes of the coatings. This methodology, which helps see the full picture of a TRISO particle, is not limited to nuclear fuels but can be applied to systems that contain highly attenuating material surrounded by less dense materials.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗