University of Melbourne

“The service level at Hawker Richardson was exceptional. The scheduling and timing of the Baker Hughes Phoenix Nanotom X-Ray Machine was spot on, the technical support was exceptional” Prof. Haese and Dr. Black

The Nanotom M micro-CT scanner is a 3D inspection and visualisation solution with a resolution in the sub-micrometre scale enabling a wide range of applications primarily in the areas of geosciences and material sciences. The micro-CT scanner is part of the University of Melbourne Research Infrastructure platform to conduct Trace Analysis for Chemical, Earth and Environmental Sciences (TrACEES) with the aim to share the facility with researchers within and outside of the university. Only within the first few months a range of samples have been analysed including diamonds, stalagmites (rocks forming in caves), marine polychaetes (a type of worm) and reservoir rocks (sandstones).

Identifying preferential pathways for water and CO2

Prof. Haese and Dr. Black use the micro-CT scanner in their own research as a tool to visualise and extract 3D data from sediment cores to reveal the distribution and connectivity of grains and voids. Such data is then used to identify preferential pathways for water and CO2 and to determine how much CO2 can be stored in the pore space. The challenge was they needed an inspection system that is able to supply superior imagery, remain reliable, is easy to use and comes with a supplier providing the proper training, service and technical support, and good advice on data processing software and computer hardware requirements. After much research and a competitive tender they decided to go with the Baker Hughes Phoenix Nanotom X-Ray Machine and Hawker Richardson as a supplier.