Laboratories for geology and reservoir

X-ray diffraction (XRD)

When the sample is analysed using XRD, it will produce a pattern that functions as a sort of fingerprint. This can then be compared with a large database of the different patterns of known materials. The laboratory has different holders for different types and quantities of materials. The laboratory is mainly used by students and staff, although it is also used by external customers.

Contactperson: Caroline Ruud

Core lab

For example, in the case of triaxial cells, the confining pressure, capping pressure, pore pressure and temperature of an oil reservoir are simulated. This allows users to study the mechanical behaviour of different types of rock under real reservoir conditions. Since liquids or gas can also be injected through core plugs mounted in triaxial cells, users can perform tests linked to permeability, CO₂ storage and enhanced oil recovery/improved oil recovery (EOR/IOR). The laboratory is mainly used for research in bachelor's, master’s and doctoral degree programmes. The core lab also carries out commissions for external contractors. 

Contactperson: Reidar Inge Korsnes

Thin sections and milling

Good sample preparation is important for further analysis using optical microscopes and electron microscopes. The laboratory can prepare both covered and polished thin sections.

The laboratory is mainly used by students and staff. Some analyses are also carried out for other research departments and industry.

Contactperson: Caroline Ruud

Mineral separation

The laboratory at UiS uses two different types of heavy liquids as well as a Frantz magnetic separator to enable isolating desired minerals. It also has microscopes fitted with cameras so various samples or minerals can be studied in detail. The work is mainly carried out for students and staff. External commissions are also carried out for other research departments and for industry.

Contactperson: Caroline Ruud

Enhanced / improved oil recovery (EOR / IOR)

Contactperson: Skule Strand

Geotechnics

Sieve shaker analysis is used to determine grain size and quantities within given grain intervals. Segmentation testing is conducted using a hydrometer to study material grading for materials with a grain size of smaller than 0.063mm. Users can also prepare undisturbed clay samples and determine shear strength through uniaxial pressure testing or cone experiments. In the case of clay samples, liquid limits and plasticity limits can also be studied. The laboratory also has equipment for determining the density of clay, sand, aggregates extracted from asphalt and similar materials (finer than 4.0mm). 

Contactperson: Guzman Cruz Rodriguez

Near-surface geophysics

For water, the laboratory has a high-frequency CHIRP sonar (10-20 kHz). This is used for both archaeological and geotechnical purposes and provides a good picture of shallow subsurface layers. There is also a low-frequency source (Boomer), with a frequency range of 700-2000 Hz. This is used for geotechnical purposes at sea and provides a good picture of deeper subsurface layers. A ground-penetrating radar (80 MHz) is used onshore for archaeological and geotechnical purposes. This provides a good picture of the subsurface using electromagnetic waves. The laboratory is also equipped with 24 wireless three-component geophones that use a 5kg sledgehammer as the seismic source.

Contactperson: Wiktor Waldemar Weibull

Geodesy / Lidar

3D models can be used to interpret geology and perform highly accurate measurements. A series of models allows surface changes to be detected (for example, when mapping avalanche risk). Lidar is also an important tool for urban planning, as well as discovering and preserving cultural sites (for example, archaeological finds). 

Contactpersons: Sven Roemer and Lisa Jean Watson (LIDAR)

Data- and geomodelling  

The laboratory also enables subsurface conditions/porous media to be simulated and interpreted using both commercial and open source software. 

Contactperson: Andreas Habel