Low field NMR studies to probe motion and dynamics in rock pore structures

NMR hardware has advanced significantly in recent years with compact, bench-top, low-field NMR spectrometers now able to perform spectrally-resolved NMR experiments, including quantitative multi-nuclear spectroscopy as well as pulsed-field gradient (PFG) NMR and relaxometry. This project will take advantage of these advancements and investigate the development of experimental protocols in two main areas of application.

Firstly, the aspects of fluid-rock chemical interactions, molecular transport and dynamics in rock systems. The aim is to predict the results of costly and time-consuming core flooding experiments, vital for the selection of the appropriate enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques, and hence offer a faster and less energy intensive alternative. EOR techniques can substantially extend the effective production life of oil production assets but selecting the right one is key.

In the second part of the project, the study of carbon dioxide (CO2) behaviour in rocks will be studied in order to develop a sound basis for determining the suitability of its geological storage. Studies of NMR diffusion and adsorption will be conducted on CO2 in the presence of hydrocarbons and brines in order to understand how operating conditions (pH, salinity, surfactants) affect the behavior of the system in terms of transport and adsorption in different storage materials.