Core Flood Systems
Quality Engineered Solutions
Based on Proven Technology
A core flood system flows a fluid (gas or liquid) through a core sample at simulated reservoir
conditions and measures flow parameters.
These systems are used for:
■■ Stimulation studies ■■ Formation damage tests
■■ Diversion of stimulation fluids ■■ EOR tests and research
■■ Flow distribution in multi-layered reservoirs ■■ Acidization studies
■■ Steady state permeability measurement ■■ Water flooding
■■ Relative permeability measurement ■■ Drilling mud invasion
Customized to Your Requirements
Because of the wide variety of tests that might be conducted in a core flood system, our equipment is
typically customized to meet the exact requirements of a specific customer application. The systems
below illustrate the wide range of options that can be incorporated into a core flood system.
System designed for multi-phase
flow in low permeability materials.
Multiple syringe pumps and associated
piston separators allow multiple
fluids to flow simultaneously. System
includes an ultra-high resolution
quartz transducer differential pressure
manifold.
Four different fluid separators allow
multiple fluids to flow through the
core. Air-operated, zero-volume valves
are computer controlled for remote
separator selection and flow path
configuration. A fraction collector
collects fluid samples of the fluid
produced.
Dual core holders allow flow through
two cores in series or in parallel, in both
forward and reverse directions. Multiple
pressure taps along the length of the
core allow pressure profile along the flow
path to be monitored. A separator fill
system allows the separators in the oven
to be refilled without opening the oven
and disturbing the environment. Core
holders include a triaxial loading piston.
Core Flood Test Systems
Oven with dual triaxial core holders with multiple Oven with single pivot-mounted core holder. Core
pressure taps. holder can be pivoted outside the oven to simplify
core insertion and removal.
Core Holder(s) Upstream Flow System
The core holder encloses the core sample and subjects DCI has designed a family of dual piston syringe pumps
it to simulated reservoir conditions. Typically the core (VPA) specifically for core flood applications. These
holder is a Hassler sleeve holder, allowing for rapid pumps use special algorithms to provide pulse-less
installation or removal of core samples. Some of the flow to drive fluid separator accumulators. Some of
options that are available in a core flood system include: the features that can be selected to meet specific test
■■ Single or dual core holders requirements include:
■■ Pivoting mount frame for horizontal or vertical ■■ Pressure range and flow rate for the VPA(s)
orientation ■■ Multiple VPA’s to allow simultaneous multi-phase
■■ Roller-supported mount frame for easy movement flow
and maintenance ■■ Flow path forward or reverse, or in parallel or series
■■ Pivoting mount to move from inside to outside oven through multiple core holders
for sample loading. ■■ Wetted parts: Stainless steel or Hastelloy C 276
■■ Radial confining pressure or triaxial loading
■■ Tubing size: 1/8” or ¼”
capability
■■ Gas injection system
■■ Range of core diameters (1 ½” typical)
■■ Core lengths up to 12” Oven
■■ Multi-tap pressure ports along the core length A custom designed, stainless steel oven typically
■■ Drilling mud invasion contains the core holder(s) and fluid separators. This
allows core flooding tests to be conducted routinely
to 300 °F. With special seal materials and other
modifications to components housed in the oven, tests
to 350° F, and even 400 °F are possible.
Four fluid separators mounted inside the oven Pressure control cart to control confining and axial
behind the core holder. Core holder rotated out for pressure in two core holders as well as provide
ease of core sample loading. capability to refill fluid separators in the oven.
Fluid Separator System Pressure Control System
A bank of piston-type accumulators is mounted in the The pressure control system controls the confining
oven to allow multiple fluids to flow through a core pressure around the core sample and, if applicable, the
sample in sequence or simultaneously. A bank of air- axial pressure applied to the core sample. Some options
operated valves, also in the controlled temperature to consider include:
environment, allows the active separator(s) to be ■■ 10,000 or 15,000 psi
selected and allows the accumulators to be filled
■■ “Passive” pressure control with isolation valves
without disturbing the temperature environment.
The separators are driven by one or more VPA’s. The ■■ “Active” pressure control with back pressure
separators provide capability to flow highly corrosive regulator or VPA
fluids through the core sample(s) without putting ■■ Separate axial pressure control
the corrosive fluid in contact with the VPA. Typical
specifications for the fluid separators are: Differential Pressure Measurement Module
■■ Wetted parts: Hastelloy C 276, Teflon and PEEK Accurate differential pressure measurement is the key
■■ Volume: 1000 ml to accurate permeability and other flow parameter
calculations. These measurements include differential
■■ Pressure: 10,000 psi
pressure measurements over the length of the core and
between ports on core holders with multi-tap pressure
ports. Selecting the optimum differential measurement
transducer(s) depends on the differential pressure to
be measured as well as the system pressure rating. DCI
engineers can help select the optimum differential
pressure transducers for a specific application. A
proprietary DCI design uses dual quartz pressure
transducers with one part per billion resolution
capability and an air-operated shorting valve between
the two transducers to provide extremely accurate and
stable differential pressure measurement.
Back pressure control cart with integrated quartz Touch screen monitor allows operator to set system
transducer differential pressure module. valves to control flow configuration as well as mon-
itor and acquire data.
Back Pressure Control System Data Acquisition and Test Control System
The back pressure control system controls the pore Data is acquired automatically from each transducer in
pressure in the system and provides a means of the system. This PC-based system allows the operator
measuring flow rates of fluids flowing through the to specify which data are collected for a specific test as
core(s). This includes measuring different flow rates well as the data collection rate. The same PC program
through two different core samples in dual core flood provides test control capability for the system.
systems, as well as the relative flow volume of two
A touch-screen interface allows the operator to set the
different fluid phases flowing out of a core. Options
flow configuration, the back pressure control mode,
include:
the active fluid separator, the oven temperature, the
■■ VPA in pressure mode to control back pressure and
VPA control mode and parameters and other test
measure volume. parameters The flow configuration and other test
■■ Dome-loaded back pressure regulator with direct parameters are displayed graphically to the operator.
gas pressure control or electronic controller to Other screens allow for functions such as individual
control dome pressure. control of automated valves for maintenance purposes,
■■ Corriolis mass flow meter. Measures mass flow rate entry of transducer calibration values, and more. This
and density allowing flow of two different fluid data acquisition and test control software is typically
phases to be measured and differentiated. customized to each specific test system.
Fluid Sampling System
Options include valves and porting that allow fluid
samples to be extracted from the face(s) of the core
sample(s) and an automated fluid sampling systems
(fraction collector) that allows many sequential samples
to be taken from the fluid produced.
Core Flood Systems
VPA Syringe Pumps
DCI’s VPA syringe pumps form an essential element in
core flood systems designed and built by DCI. Some of
the features of these pumps include:
■■ Servo-motor/encoder, precisely controlled with
state-of-the-art digital electronics, provides the
smoothest possible drive performance with nano-
liter volume resolution.
■■ High-speed positive feedback control loops that
allow for precisely controlled constant flow rate, or
accurate pressure control.
■■ Air-operated, zero-volume valves to allow pulse-free
switching between cylinders.
■■ Compact integrated manifold integrates all four
valves required for a dual cylinder VPA into a single
manifold.
■■ Large ports in valves and cylinder connections allow
pressure control to be unaffected by small particles
in the fluid.
■■ A touchscreen operator interface allows the
operator to set VPA control in a few simple steps.
■■ LabView drivers allow the VPA to be controlled from
a remote PC over a LAN connection.
■■ A small footprint conserves valuable laboratory
space.
Quality Engineered Solutions
Based on Proven Technology
982 North 675 West
North Salt Lake, UT 84054
Tel: 801 298 4899
Fax: 801 298 4875
sales@dcitestsystems.com
www.dcitestsystems.com
