title: Velocity field measurements in sedimentary rock cores by magnetization prepared 3D SPRITE.
abstract: A time-efficient MRI method suitable for quantitative mapping of 3-D velocity fields in sedimentary rock cores, and granular samples is discussed. The method combines the 13-interval Alternating-Pulsed-Gradient Stimulated-Echo (APGSTE) scheme and three-dimensional Single Point Ramped Imaging with T(1) Enhancement (SPRITE). Collecting a few samples near the q-space origin and employing restricted k-space sampling dramatically improves the performance of the imaging method. The APGSTE-SPRITE method is illustrated through mapping of 3-D velocity field in a macroscopic bead pack and heterogeneous sandstone and limestone core plugs. The observed flow patterns are consistent with a general trend for permeability to increase with the porosity. Domains of low permeability obstruct the flow within the core volume. Water tends to flow along macroscopic zones of higher porosity and across zones of lower porosity.
authors.affiliation: MRI Centre, Department of Physics, University of New Brunswick, P.O. Box 4400, 8 Bailey Drive, Fredericton, Canada E3B 5A3. kromanen@unb.ca
authors.forename: Konstantin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Romanenko
authors.forename: Dan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Xiao
authors.forename: Bruce J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Balcom