Dynamic NMR Logging Technologies for High-Resolution Measurement of Hydrogeologic Properties and Soil Response

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.