CQI expanding capabilities with new scanner

The Center for Quantitative X-ray Imaging is expanding its core instrumentation to offer world-class X-ray imaging capabilities to Penn State researchers interested in 3D and 4D images and analysis. The EMS Energy Institute in conjunction with the Penn State Institutes of Energy and the Environment, the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, and the Earth and Environmental Systems Institute is leading the acquisition of a GE v|tome|x L 300 industrial X-ray computed tomography scanner for multi-scale, time-dependent characterization of natural and synthetic materials.

This industrial X-ray CT scanner has resolution capabilities down to the range of less than one µm and a large digital flat panel detection system capable of greater feature detectability and high image quality. The proposed system will be able to produce high quality volumetric images in the µm-resolution range with less distortion and more clarity than currently available in the CQI. The GE digital flat panel detector will allow larger pixel grids and therefore smaller voxel sizes on large samples (up to 500 mm wide x 600 mm high). The wider pixel grid allows volumes to be reconstructed with voxel dimensions up to 1/4000th maximum sample diameter.

The system, which will be housed at the EMS Energy Institute, represents significant improvements over current imaging capabilities and will enable a broad range of research projects, with particular emphasis on unconventional oil and gas resource development. The new scanner is anticipated to be available to the Penn State research community in Fall 2015. Look for updates in the next issue of Energy Innovation.