MIMAROC is a collaborative research platform offering the possibility to perform in-situ 4D experiments. It will benefits of a modular design of a last generation Highly Versatile X-Ray Micro & Nano CT. The system will have the unique capability to welcome up to three generators at the same time, covering from high power to nano-scale applications. This equipment will be combine with reactive cells adapted to X-ray transmission These reactive cells will be designed to perform coupled Thermo-Hydro-mechanical-Chemical (THMC) experiments with the capacity to work in extreme conditions up to 150MPa and 300°C. The aim is to combine monitoring and visualization of time-resolved THMC processes. The time-resolved imaging data linked to the monitoring of macroscopic behaviour allow developing digital rock physics and modelling the behaviour of the materials over decades. MIMAROC was developed to characterize at multi-scale porous materials and predict the behaviour over time in the scope of environmental and energy transition. Mechanical experiment, hydraulic, storage capacity of mesoporous materials will be studied. The platform was motivated for advancing the understanding and modelling of coupled THMC processes in geological systems. The recognition that prediction of these coupled effects is an essential part of the performance and safety assessment of geological disposal for radioactive waste and play a critical role in other subsurface engineering activities (CO2 storage, exploration of geothermal systems, hydraulic fracturing…) -The facility will be accessible at the end of 2021
The µ-CT proposes a modular design of a last generation Highly Versatile X-Ray Micro & Nano CT. The system will have the unique capability to welcome up to three generators at the same time, covering from high power to nano-scale applications. Hosted in a large bunker integrated inside your facility, it can be tailored to each test requirement. The space all-around the system enables easy access even to setup the most comprehensive in-situ CT experiments. This powerful open CT system has been designed to perfectly address the most challenging 3D applications ranging from material research to industrial applications in R&D, quality assurance and production. The system allows maximum flexibility in terms of sample size and orientation. With a very large scanning volume, UltraTom allows to visualize, measure and analyze even large components or assemblies with high resolution. The 7 motion axes allow easy positioning of parts that can weigh up to 100kg. Both the imager and the tube can be shifted allowing the inspection of even larger parts. This great flexibility of parts positioning and adjustable distance between the source and the detector, leads to easier, faster and higher quality acquisitions. The aim is to characterize larger objects (multi-decimetric) at a µmetric scale of observation and to be able to instrument the sample environment under the beam (e.g. pressure percolation experiments, geo-mechanical experiments with tri-axial cells). Beyond completing and offering a high level instrumental park, differentiation and technological breakthroughs rely on coupling with surrounding cells to develop in-situ tests, resolved in time (4D). The reactive cells was designed to offer the possibility to work in a large range of chemical, temperature and pressure conditions.
The facility situated in BRGM research centre in Orléans, France, benefits from the support of the different laboratory and technicians from BRGM. The team managing MIMAROC will provide support in designing and setting up experiments. In addition, chemical, biological and mineral characterization of samples can be provided by BRGM (including Raman-SEM observations). Modelling of the experiments and reactive transport processes is also possible and can be provided.