Fluid Characterization
Fluid-phase sampling and geochemical characterization
As an element of integrated support for core-based research, the CSD Facility maintains resources for sampling and field analysis of borehole production gases, collection of core pore water, and field characterization of ambient water bodies.
![Rhizon pore water sampling device](/sites/cse.umn.edu/files/styles/webp_scaled/public/rhizon%20pore%20water%20sampling.jpg.webp?itok=8YwLr8jX)
Drilling Mud Gas Analysis
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Gas Analyzer Gas Chromatograph
The Facility’s SRI Instruments Natural Gas Analyzer is a robust, field-capable gas chromatography system for rapidly analyzing presence and concentrations of various formation gases returned in drilling fluids. These data support on-site formation identification and characterization as well as operational safety for drilling projects.
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Hydrogen Generator
Efficient and safe deployment of the GC system to remote settings benefits from a local source of H2 carrier gas. The Facility’s SRI Instruments H2-100 hydrogen generator supplies clean carrier-gas H2 from electrolysis of distilled water.
Pore Water Sampling
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Rhizon Sampler
Nondestructive pore-water sampling of cores is supported by Rhizon samplers and fittings suitable for sampling plastic-lined cores at selected depths. This technique is most effective for unconsolidated sediments with relatively high water content and low sample-volume requirements.
![Researcher using Rhizon pore water sampler on a lake](/sites/cse.umn.edu/files/styles/folwell_third/public/rhizon%20pore%20water%20sampling%20Kivu.jpg.webp?itok=H8glWbrB)
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Squeeze Sampler
Pore-water sampling of less permeable sediment, or sediment with lower water content, is likely to require destructive sampling of sections of core using a hydraulic pore-water squeezer such as those from Geotek or ASC Scientific. The Facility can help researchers select the design and manufacturer best suited to their project goals.
Ambient Water-Column Characterization and Sampling
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Physiochemical Water Profiling
For in situ water-column measurements of pH, specific conductance, temperature, and dissolved oxygen, the Facility maintains for rental a Hydrolab Quanta instrument with 50m depth capability. Rentals are accompanied by all the necessary buffers and standards for field calibration of the instrument.
![Two researchers using hydrolab equipment through a hole on a frozen lake](/sites/cse.umn.edu/files/styles/folwell_half/public/hydrolab_fieldphotos.jpg.webp?itok=wbFoZ-iq)
![Hydrolab equipment in the lab](/sites/cse.umn.edu/files/styles/folwell_third/public/IMG_6808.jpg.webp?itok=s21EBbpn)
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Water Column Sampling
For water sample recovery at discrete depths in the water column, the Facility offers standard Van Dorn samplers in vertical and horizontal orientations.
![Van Dorn water sampling device in the lab](/sites/cse.umn.edu/files/styles/folwell_third/public/-2522263535909158071%20%281%29.jpg.webp?itok=Q441Xws-)
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Filtration and Preservation
The Facility can support sample filtration and preservation needs of the user community (appropriate filters, filter holders, and sample containers) through third-party vendors.