X-ray Computed Tomography Investigation of Structures in Claystone at Large Scale and High Speed

SUMMARY In the past years X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) became more and more common in geo-scientific applications and is used from the µ-scale (microfossils) up to the dm-scale (cores or soil columns). Hence a variety of different systems was adapted to these applications. In the present paper we investigate CT results from an Opalinus Clay core (diameter ~100 mm) considering the 3D distribution of cracks. Two CT systems are compared both, with specific ad- and disadvantages: the large and flexible phoenix v|tome|x L300 high energy CT scanner and the high throughput speed|scan CT 64 helix CT system (both GE Measurement & Control). The results are compared regarding the contrast resolution, spatial resolution, and scanning speed. The fast medical scanners provided a quick overview whereas the microfocus tube provided a more detailed view on cracks.