WEBINAR | Dynamic-to-Detail Micro-CT in One Workflow: UniTOM HR 2

REGISTER NOW

Multiscale Micro-CT Imaging from Core to Pore

Non-destructive reservoir characterization across all scales.

Book a demo
4-2-Multiscale imaging from core to pore
4-2-Multiscale imaging from core to pore-mobile
Unlocked content

Capture Reservoir Complexity: Multiscale 3D Imaging from Core to Pore 


Reservoir rocks are inherently complex, shaped by heterogeneous grain structures, intricate pore networks, and unpredictable fracture systems. TESCAN’s multiscale micro-CT imaging workflow captures this complexity by enabling non-destructive  3D imaging, from full core plugs down to sub-micron pores. This capability is crucial for optimizing oil and gas recovery, enhancing EOR strategies, and improving simulation models across diverse geological formations.

Why Multiscale Micro-CT Imaging

Makes Sense?

01
Root of the problem

Common Challenges in High-Resolution Geological Imaging

Traditional methods for characterizing rocks often rely on destructive sectioning or offer only 2D data, making it difficult to extract accurate petrophysical or structural information. By contrast, multiscale micro-CT imaging provides a non-invasive alternative that overcomes several key limitations:

Loss of Pore Structure Resolution: Low-resolution, large scale CT scans (on medical CT systems)  often miss critical heterogeneities that influence flow and trapping.

Scale Mismatch: Large-scale CT scans don’t resolve micropores well, while high-resolution scans may lack full-sample context.

Inaccurate Porosity Estimation: Bulk porosity measurements from gravimetric methods overlook local variations and true pore geometry.

Destructive Analysis Risks: Cutting or polishing samples can alter fracture networks, induce sample disintegration, or redistribute fine materials.

Multiscale micro-CT imaging provides the spatially resolved, 3D data needed to analyze entire cores and fine pore structures with confidence.

02
Workflow Description

TESCAN’s multiscale imaging workflow brings together wide-field and high-resolution micro-CT scanning, to capture reservoir cores at multiple resolutions—all without cutting the sample.

 Key Steps in the Workflow:

01
Core Mounting and Preparation: Cores or plugs are scanned in their original form, with no cutting or polishing required.
02

Low-Resolution Contextual Scan: Identify sedimentary structures, grain layering, and major porosity zones in large sample volumes.

03
High-Resolution Zoom Scans: Focus on selected regions to capture ultra-detailed pore networks and fracture systems. Zoom even further into sub-micron features like microporosity, cementation zones, or hairline fractures.
04
Data Analysis and Property Extraction: Segment pores, measure grain morphology, calculate porosity and permeability proxies, and generate models ready for simulation.

This multiscale workflow gives reservoir engineers a robust, non-destructive way to extract high-quality data for EOR planning and digital rock physics.

03
Matherials and Methods

Multiscale Imaging Across Core Dimensions

Wide-field Micro-CT imaging reaches spatial resolutions down to a few micrometers, while high-resolution Micro-CT pushes that boundary further into the sub-micron range. 

Core-to-Pore Connectivity: Study the links between large-scale geological features and pore-scale transport processes.

Fracture Flow Characterization: Analyze how fluids move between fractures and surrounding matrix materials at multiple scales.

Porosity and Capillary Pressure Calculations: Use grayscale segmentation to determine pore volume and simulate fluid behavior through the rock.

Integration into Reservoir Simulation: Feed these datasets into relative permeability models, saturation curves, and digital rock typing workflows.

By aligning data across scales, engineers gain a more complete understanding of reservoir behavior under real-world flow conditions.

04
Results and Discussion

Reservoir Characterization

Visualize lithological variation, sedimentary layering, and pore morphology across entire core plugs. High-resolution images support accurate digital rock typing, especially in light oil reserves.

Pore Network Modeling

Extract 3D pore structures at micron resolution from core fragments or drill cuttings. Create models that retain key flow characteristics for realistic simulations.

Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR)

Monitor chemical movement and oil displacement during flooding experiments. See how surfactants or polymers affect residual oil and flow paths.

Fracture Mapping

Measure fracture aperture, density, and connectivity to evaluate flow potential in tight or naturally fractured reservoirs.

Core Integrity Assessment

Examine the internal structure of cores non-destructively, preserving them for physical testing or long-term archiving.

These use cases show how multiscale micro-CT imaging delivers vital insights into pore structure, petrophysical behavior, and subsurface fluid dynamics.

GET IN Touch

Contact us

Get the most out of Tescan

This is more than information; it's an advantage. We've compiled our technical whitepapers, detailed product flyers, and on-demand webinars to provide you with the knowledge that makes a real difference. Sign up now to access the insights you need to make an impact.

Tescan Instruments & Technology

Used in This Workflow

TESCAN UniTOM XL

Large-volume dynamic imaging for reservoir core samples

TESCAN UniTOM XL provides high-throughput, non-destructive imaging of full core plugs and large fragments.

  • High-speed scanning with customizable field of view

  • Ideal for visualizing pores and fractures across entire samples

  • Supports integrated multiscale workflows

MICRO_UniTOM_XL_1-1

TESCAN UniTOM HR

High-resolution micro-CT for sub-micron pore analysis

Designed for pore-level exploration, UniTOM HR delivers detailed views of tight formations and microstructures.

  • Sub-micron voxel resolution

  • Enables accurate pore network extraction and segmentation

  • Well suited for digital rock typing and fine-scale modeling

MICRO_UniTOM_HR_1-1

Explore more solutions

Dynamic CT of multiphase flow. Pore filling events and event size are colorcoded as a function of time (blue=beginning, red=end)

Visualizing Fluid Flow in Reservoir Rocks with Dynamic Micro-CT

Real-time, multiscale imaging for oil recovery, CO₂ storage, and subsurface flow research.

Read more

GET IN Touch

with specialist
map

Where can you find us: 

Tescan
Libušina třída 21
623 00 Brno
Czech Republic

130405923 us US 37.09024 -95.712891 25.3575 29.349345 20.67957527 42.082797 39.91384763 -33.693421 13.93320106 3.039986586 31.997988 38.050985 47.579533 48.1485965 58.375799 54.663142 19.195447 56.975106 50.493053 45.868592 10.79556993 44.35660598 43.2371604 55.536415 14.557577179752773 32.100937 -6.116829 -6.212299277967318 23.7104 -33.471062 31.998740087 -23.69149395 43.462349 51.529848 49.1893523 49.197486 25.072375 31.075811 1.299027 40.676979 52.30150662 51.013813 35.684121 37.479653 52.246622 40.581349 39.911632 -26.1811371 41.818215 33.429928 -12.08688

No distributors found.