Device for analyzing a fluid in a sample of porous medium, and corresponding method

The device according to claim 1, comprising a reference sample, positioned to be illuminated simultaneously with the measurement cell by the X-ray source, without relative movement between the X-ray source and the sample, the detector having at least one sensing area configured for detecting X-rays arising from the reference sample.

The device according to claim 1, wherein the detector comprises a two-dimensional array of selective sensing areas configured for selectively detecting X-rays arising from different points on the surface of the sample.

The device according to claim 3, wherein the X-ray source is configured for illuminating the whole sample contained in the measurement cell, the detector comprising sensing areas configured for detecting X-rays arising from different points spread on the surface of the sample and outside of the sample.

The device according to claim 1, wherein the X-ray source comprises an hyperstable X-ray generator.

The device according to claim 1, wherein the X-ray source is intended to be permanently activated, the device comprising a shutter, positioned between the X-ray source and the measurement cell, the shutter being mobile between a position preventing the illumination of the measurement cell by the X-ray source and a position illuminating the measurement cell.

The device according to claim 1, comprising a controller for controlling temperature and pressure in the measurement cell.

The device according to claim 1, comprising an analyzer configured for determining a local property of the fluid at a plurality of positions of the sample, based on signals detected simultaneously by sensing areas at the given measurement time without relative movement between the X-ray source and the sample.

The device according to claim 1, comprising at least a shield placed laterally around the measurement cell.

The device according to claim 1, wherein the measurement cell comprises a hollow container, receiving the sample of porous medium containing fluid, at least one plug closing the hollow container.

Method according to claim 11, wherein the illumination comprises passing X-rays arising from the X-ray source through a reference sample simultaneously with illuminating the measurement cell and selectively detecting X-rays arising from the reference sample with a selective sensing area of the detector.

Method according to claim 11, comprising controlling the pressure of the sample in the measurement cell, and controlling the temperature of the sample in the measurement cell, during the illumination step.

Method according to claim 11, wherein the determination comprises calculating a fluid content in one or more phase at least at a plurality of positions on the surface of the sample, based on the signal detected by each sensing area.

Method according to claim 11, comprising repeating illuminating at least a surface of the sample with the X-ray source, selectively detecting X-rays arising from different points of the surface by a plurality of sensing areas of the detector and determining a local property of the fluid at a plurality of positions of the sample, based on signals detected simultaneously by sensing areas, at several measurement times, without relative movement between the X-ray source and the sample.

The device according to claim 10 wherein the at least one plug comprises an internal open volume intended to receive fluid arising from the sample or directed towards the sample, the X-ray source being configured for illuminating the open volume, the detector comprising at least a selective sensing area configured for receiving X-ray arising from the open volume.

The method according to claim 13 comprising controlling the pressure of the sample in the measurement cell above the atmospheric pressure.

The method according to claim 15 comprising repeating illuminating at least a surface of the sample with the X-ray source, selectively detecting X-rays arising from different points of the surface by a plurality of sensing areas of the detector and determining a local property of the fluid at a plurality of positions of the sample, based on signals detected simultaneously by sensing areas, at several measurement times, without relative movement between the X-ray source and the sample, at a frequency below 1 Hz.