Rock Deformation Laboratory

Equipment

Paterson Gas rig: Our high temperature rheology rig, a clasic patterson apparatus, is one of only a few in the UK. The apparatus can performs rock deformation experiments on cylindrical speciments (typically 15mm diameter and 45mm length) from 700 to 1300 °C, and up to 300 MPa confining pressure.
Nimonic: Our medium temperature rheology rig operatues from 100 to 700 °C, and up to 200 MPa pressure.
Phoenix: Strength and physical properties of reservoir rocks from 20-200 °C, and up to 200 MPa.
Big Rig: Room temperature, 500 MPa, Strength and physical properties of reservoir rocks.
Green Rig: Room temperature, 500 MPa, Physical properties of reservoir rocks.
Core Test Rig: This rig allows the measurement of permability from 20-200 °C and 60 MPa.
Gas Permeameter: Room temperature (up to 3 bars), Nitrogen Permeameter.
Helium Porosimeter: Room temperature porosimetry.
ITASCA 8 channel ricther AE system: This state-of-the art Acoustic Emission recorder (Applied Seismology Consultants) can measure 8 channels of AE data simultaneously, and locate the locations of the earthquakes in quasi-real time for display and analysis at data rate of up to 100 events/second. The instrument can also be used in a active mode, ‘pinging’ successive sensors to generate a dense P-wave raypath network for tomography.
Physical Acoustic 8 Channel AE system: A conventioanl 8 channel (triggered) AE system for hit data (energy, hit rate, delay, amplitude).
Solartron impedance spectrometer:
Time of flight ultrasonic velocity setup:
Elle Soil Mechanics Rigs:

Current Projects

- Fracture in tight mudrock;