Provides high magnification/high resolution images of smallest features in rocks.
Standard SEM analysis - Used to investigate authigenic clays and other cements associated with pore systems of conventional reservoir rocks. Analysis done in a low-pressure chamber using samples coated with gold or gold/palladium alloy.
Mudrocks - SEM used to investigate micro-and nanopore systems in unconventional reservoir rocks. Analysis done in a 'high-pressure' SEM chamber with uncoated sample.
Argon-ion milling used to prepare surface of sample for analysis. Ion-milling provides a polished surface suitable for backscattered electron imaging.
Backscattered Electron imaging. Used to reduce/eliminate charging effects on uncoated samples.
Energy Dispersive Analysis of X-Rays (EDX)
Qualitative Analysis - used to identify elemental composition. Can be used to identify framework grains or cements in a reservoir rock, or to identify layers/bands in a scale.
Dot maps - EDX data can be used to illustrate the distribution of elements in a SEM image.
Standard SEM analysis - Used to investigate authigenic clays and other cements associated with pore systems of conventional reservoir rocks. Analysis done in a low-pressure chamber using samples coated with gold or gold/palladium alloy.
Mudrocks - SEM used to investigate micro-and nanopore systems in unconventional reservoir rocks. Analysis done in a 'high-pressure' SEM chamber with uncoated sample.
Argon-ion milling used to prepare surface of sample for analysis. Ion-milling provides a polished surface suitable for backscattered electron imaging.
Backscattered Electron imaging. Used to reduce/eliminate charging effects on uncoated samples.
Energy Dispersive Analysis of X-Rays (EDX)
Qualitative Analysis - used to identify elemental composition. Can be used to identify framework grains or cements in a reservoir rock, or to identify layers/bands in a scale.
Dot maps - EDX data can be used to illustrate the distribution of elements in a SEM image.
