SBIR-STTR Award

Dynamic NMR Logging Technologies for High-Resolution Measurement of Hydrogeologic Properties and Soil Response
Award last edited on: 10/11/2017

Sponsored Program
SBIR
Awarding Agency
DOE
Total Award Amount
$1,739,951
Award Phase
2
Solicitation Topic Code
19b
Principal Investigator
Elliot Grunewald

Company Information

Vista Clara Inc

12201 Cyrus Way Suite 104
Mukilteo, WA 98275
   (425) 493-8122
   info@vista-clara.com
   www.vista-clara.com
Location: Single
Congr. District: 02
County: Snohomish

Phase I

Contract Number: DE-SC0017096
Start Date: 00/00/00    Completed: 00/00/00
Phase I year
2017
Phase I Amount
$229,951
This proposal addresses the challenge of measuring the hydrogeologic response of soils in-situ and at high-resolution to determine flow and storage parameters governing groundwater availability, contaminant fate, and other dynamic subsurface processes. We will develop direct-push instrumentation and methods for efficiently acquiring high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data in the shallow subsurface. A new high-resolution, miniaturized sensor will engineered that can be deployed in small diameter direct-push rods. In addition to measuring the static NMR response, which conveys porosity, fluid mobility, and pore size, the tool will be integrated with tooling for flow injection around the NMR tool and ancillary dielectric sensors to directly measure dynamic saturation and flow. The Phase 1 research will establish the feasibility of the miniaturized high- resolution NMR sensor as well as the feasibility and sensitivity of the novel flow injection methods. We will design a functional benchtop prototype of the NMR sensor and will validate its sensitivity, resolution, and measurement efficiency. To establish the feasibility and sensitivity of the flow injection and dielectric methods we will perform numerical experiments as well as macro-scale laboratory experiments with an existing downhole NMR tool which will serve as a direct analog for the in-situ subsurface deployment environment. Commercial Applications and Other

Benefits:
Completion of this technology in Phase II and beyond will deliver high-resolution dynamic NMR as a commercial product for sale, rental, and services in the booming market of subsurface characterization. This technology will make it possible to efficiently and directly measure subsurface properties that have proven difficult to measure with existing methods. The capabilities delivered will be of tremendous value to any company, government, or public agency engaged in contaminated site remediation, soil geotechnical analysis, groundwater resource evaluation, or critical zone research. Ultimately, the technology will benefit worldwide human and ecosystem health, by enabling more effective understanding and management of the subsurface environment.

Phase II

Contract Number: DE-SC0017096
Start Date: 00/00/00    Completed: 00/00/00
Phase II year
2018
Phase II Amount
$1,510,000
This proposal addresses the challenge of measuring the hydrogeologic response of geologic formations in-situ and at high-resolution to determine flow and storage parameters governing groundwater availability, contaminant fate, and other dynamic subsurface processes. How this problem is being addressed: We will develop direct-push and borehole instrumentation and methods for efficiently acquiring high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data in the shallow subsurface. A novel high-resolution, ultra-slim sensor will be engineered for deployment in small-diameter direct-push rods. In addition to measuring the static NMR response, which conveys porosity, fluid mobility, and pore size, probes will be integrated with tooling for flow injection around the NMR tool to measure dynamic flow and saturation characteristics. Phase I Progress and Phase II tasks: The Phase 1 research successfully established the feasibility of the ultra-slim high-resolution NMR sensor, culminating in a working prototype senor. The feasibility of the novel flow injection methods was also demonstrated through meso- scale experiments in a test cell providing a borehole analog for NMR measurements paired with fluid injection. In Phase 2, we will commercialize the ultra-slim tool and develop a functional version of the tool embedded into direct push rods. Tooling and ancillary control systems will be engineered for dynamic flow measurements in boreholes and wells and we will demonstrate these methods at hydrogeologic test sites, DoE sites of interest, and on commercial projects. Commercial Applications and Other

Benefits:
Completion of this technology in Phase II and beyond will deliver high-resolution dynamic NMR as a commercial product for sale, rental, and services in the booming subsurface characterization market. This technology will make it possible to efficiently and directly measure subsurface properties that have proven difficult to measure with existing methods. The newly forged capabilities will be of tremendous value to any company, government, or public agency engaged in contaminated site remediation, soil geotechnical analysis, groundwater resource evaluation, or critical zone research. Ultimately, the technology will benefit the global economy and human health, by enabling more effective understanding and management of the subsurface environment.