Mineralogical Mapping (MinScan®)

Cost Range: $250 - 350 (per sample)

Methodology

• Automated petrologicalanalysis of samples providing quantitative analysis of minerals.
• Advanced characterization of rock fabrics, textures and fractures.

Applications & Deliverables

• Lithofacies classification.
• Assessment of brittle/ductile behavior of samples.
• Micro-depositional environment characterization and evolution.

X-Ray Diffraction (XRD)

Cost Range: $250 - 350 (per sample)

Methodology

• Rapid analysis of crystalline phases/material.
• Advanced characterization of minerals including clay species within rocks.

Applications & Deliverables

• Quantitative analysis of minerals, including clay species.
• Assessment of brittle/ductile behavior of samples.
• Lithofacies characterization.

X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Mapping

Cost Range: $400 - 550 (per sample)

Methodology

• Advanced (non-destructive) elemental characterization of rock fabrics and textures.
• ‘Large’ sample characterization on centimeter-scale samples (i.e. core).

Applications & Deliverables

• Assessment of brittle/ductile zones within samples.
• Qualitative analysis of elemental signatures within samples.
• Lithofacies characterization.

Argon-Ion Milling

Cost Range: $100 - 150 (per sample)

Methodology

• ‘Atomic-scale’ polishing of samples using high-powered argon ions.
• Sheer force-free polishing allowing for an artifact-free surface.

Applications & Deliverables

• Artifact-free polished surface allowing accurate high- resolution (SEM) imaging and assessment of shales.
• Preservation of shale features down to the nano-scale.

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

Cost Range: $400 - 600 (per sample)

Methodology

• Electron imaging including backscatter (BSE) and secondary electron (SE) analysis.
• Energy dispersive x-ray (EDS/ EDX) analysis allowing point and mapping of samples.

Applications & Deliverables

• Accurate fracture and porosity characterization.
• Assessment of mineralogy and mineralogical associations.
• Organic matter characterization.

High-Resolution Composite Mapping (MAPS™)

Cost Range: $600–850 (per sample: 500–1000 tiles)

Methodology

• Automated acquisition of high resolution SEM images from ‘large’ areas across samples.
• Data is exported as interactive, composite image datasets.

Applications & Deliverables

• Correlation of features (i.e. sedimentological cyclicity).
• Allows a larger, more representative area of a sample to be evaluated and correlated with complimentary techniques.

Focused ion Beam SEM (FIB-SEM)

Cost Range: $1300–1700 (per sample)

Methodology

• Dual-beam microscopy allowing focused ion beam (FIB) milling and SEM imaging.
• Automated sequential milling and imaging of samples allows reconstruction of 3D volumes.

Applications & Deliverables

• Three-dimensional cube modeling allowing shale space to be accurately assessed.
• Precise assessment of nano-scale rock properties (i.e. pore/ permeability characterization).

Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM)

Cost Range: $3000–4000 (per sample)

Methodology

• Ultra-high-resolution imaging and ultrasensitive elemental mapping (EDS) for chemical analysis.
• FIB-SEM slicing used as preparation method.

Applications & Deliverables

• Precise nano-scale assessment of rock properties (i.e. pore/ permeability characterization).
• Nano-scale chemical mapping (EDS) of samples.

HAWK™ Hydrocarbon Analyzer with Kinetics

The HAWK™ Analyzer provides S1, S2, S3 and TOC data as well as Tmax information. The specially designed instrument has better free petroleum (S1) sensitivity for improved identification of pay in resource plays and adds a new level of sophistication for specialized analysis and integrated interpretation.

Triaxial Rock Mechanics Loading Frame – TerraTek

The TerraTek Rock Mechanics Triaxial Test System is a computer controlled test system designed to simulate in-situ stress and strain for the determination of physical properties of geotechnical core samples. The system simulates actual in-situ conditions and characterizes a test sample’s behavior under those conditions. Axial load, horizontal stress (confining pressure) and pore pressure can all be precisely controlled. In-vessel instrumentation, directly in contact with the rock sample, accurately measures the sample’s response to testing variables.

Value of Geomechanics

• Exploration (high cost areas)
• Long-term reservoir production
• Borehole stability, sanding, compaction/ subsidence
• Fracture containment

Geomechanical Properties

• 20,000 psi confining pressure
• 360 kip axial load actuator
• Large frame for 6” ID pressure vessel
• Temperature capability up to 300° F
• Confining and pore pressure control
• Ultrasonic velocity measurements

Shale Interrogator High Precision Petrophysical Characterization

EGI is using high-resolution high-pressure equipment to evaluate the porosity, saturations, and relative permeabilities of tight formations. Called the “EGI Shale Interrogator,” the apparatus is capable of high pressure and high temperature studies that provide accurate measurements useful for petrophysical model calibrations. High precision, low volume pumping capability allows this advanced instrument to provide steady-state data previously not readily available. Finally, the capability to conduct evaluations of liquids- producing formations makes this service unique in the world.

Evaluating Tight Formations

• Porosity
• Saturations
• Relative permeabilities
• Pressure – 15,000 psi
• Temperature 300° F

• Capable of high pressure and temperature studies to provide accurate measurements useful for petrophysical model calibrations that other methods elsewhere cannot provide
• High precision, low volume pumping capability allows this advanced instrument to provide steady state data – previously not readily available
• Capable of conducting evaluations of liquids producing tight formations