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Advanced Properties

IGL leads the industry in using advanced core analysis techniques to provide integrated data packages consisting of basic soil properties, advanced soil properties and Risk-Based (RBCA) Parameters used in mobility programs.

Sample Types

Advanced core analysis is used in conjunction with basic core analysis to further define the intrinsic and more complex physical and chemical characteristics of subsurface materials (soil, rock or sediments) as they interact with fluids (water, hydrocarbons, etc.), vapor, or other materials. These characteristics most often include capillary pressure or soil moisture retention curves, van Genuchten parameters, relative permeability, intrinsic permeability, hydraulic conductivity, air or vapor permeability, residual saturation, fluid mobility and soil or column leaching data. IGL accepts both clean and contaminated material, site field waters and product or NAPL samples.

We can measure the properties of fluids and soil or rock cores taken by virtually any sampling method including:

  • Shelby Tube
  • CPT
  • Split Soon
  • Bulk or Grab Samples
  • Continuous Core
  • Brass, Plastic, or Aluminum Sleeves and Rings
  • Direct Push
  • Field Waters
  • Product (LNAPL and DNAPL)

​For advanced core analysis, the larger the core diameter, the more test options are available for a comprehensive test program. However, most risk-based parameters can be measured on 2" diameter by 6" long core or sleeves. IGL can work with core diameters 1” diameter or less in most instances. Site waters should be sampled in glass or plastic containers. NAPL should be sampled in glass or steel containers with no preservatives.

Special Core Analysis

The following table lists our most popular advanced core analysis tests including Mobility and Risk-Based Parameters. IGL has the capability to perform many more tests and analyses than those listed. If you don't see a required test or analysis here or would like a copy of our Testing Fee Summary, please give our customer service representatives a call at  (713) 316-1800 in Houston, Texas or email us at: info@igslaboratories.com.

Advanced Core Analysis and Risk-Based Parameters

  • Soil Moisture Retention Curve (ASTM D6836)
  • Air/Water Drainage Capillary Pressure (ASTM D6836)
  • van Genuchten Parameters (proprietary)
  • Brooks-Corey (proprietary)
  • Oil/Water Drainage Capillary Pressure (ASTM D6836)
  • Oil/Water Imbibition Capillary Pressure (ASTM D6836)
  • Air/Oil Drainage Capillary Pressure (ASTM D6836)
  • Porous Plate Capillary Pressure (ASTM D2325/3152)
  • Porous Membrane Capillary Pressure (ASTM D2325/3152)
  • Specific Retention/Yield (ASTM D425)
  • Residual Saturations (multiple methods)
  • Pore Size Distribution/Mercury Injection Porosimetry (ASTM D4404)
  • Mobility Parameters (multiple methods)
  • Oil/Water Drainage Relative Permeability (JBN)
  • Oil/Water Imbibition Relative Permeability (proprietary)
  • Air/Water Imbibition Relative Permeability (proprietary)
  • Air/Water Drainage Relative Permeability (proprietary)
  • Steam or Thermal Simulation (proprietary)
  • Environmental Forensics (gas chromatography)
  • Soil or Column Leaching Data (ASTM D4874)
  • KMnO4 or Fenton’s Reagent Soil Columns (proprietary)

​Fluid Properties

  • Interfacial Tension (ASTM D971)
  • Surface Tension (ASTM D971)
  • Fluid Density (ASTM D1481)
  • Oil (NAPL) or Product Gravity (ASTM D1481)
  • Viscosity; Water or NAPL (ASTM D445)
  • Viscosity, >12° API (ASTM D445)
  • Viscosity, >12° API (proprietary)
  • Reid Vapor Pressure (ASTM D5191)
  • OILPRINT™ Fingerprinting (IP318/75M)
  • FSCOT (IP318/75M)
  • Oil Cleaning (proprietary)
  • Separation of Oil and Water (proprietary)
  • B, S, & W (ASTM D-96 )
  • Environmental Forensics (proprietary)
  • DNAPL, creosote or MGP fluids(proprietary)

Test Packages

Our Advanced Core Analysis Test Packages combine basic parameters with sophisticated tests and analyses designed to provide an integrated data package. We can also create custom packages that satisfy your modeling and risk-based requirements or fully simulate remedial processes. For additional information on any of these packages or help designing a custom test program, please give our customer service representatives a call at  (713) 316-1800 in Houston, Texas or email at info@igslaboratories.com. An IGL Test Package combines several analyses to provide an integrated data set. Custom Packages can also be created that satisfy all modeling and risk assessment parameters or to meet regulatory agency requirements.

Capillarity Package; Air/Water Drainage (ASTM D6836, API RP40) - Centrifugal Method: Air/Water Drainage Capillary Pressure Curve (air displacing water) with Air Permeability and Hydraulic Conductivity: Includes capillary pressure, total porosity, dry bulk density and grain density.

Free Product Mobility / Residual Saturation Package (Mod. ASTM D425, API RP40) - Centrifuge Method: Apply centrifugal force of 1000 times gravity for one hour to demonstrate product mobility. Includes initial and residual pore fluid saturations, total porosity, dry bulk density and grain density.

Residual Saturation by Water Drive (proprietary water drive)  - Sample driven to residual saturation by water displacing LNAPL. Residual saturations by Dean-Stark extraction. Includes total porosity, bulk density and grain density.

Fluid Properties Package (ASTM D1481, ASTM D445, ASTM D971) -NAPL & Water: Includes dynamic viscosity and fluid density at three temperatures, specific gravity, surface tension for each fluid, and interfacial tension (three phase pairs; oil/water, oil/air, and water/air).

LNAPL/Water Drainage Capillary Pressure Package (ASTM D6836, API RP40) - Centrifugal Method; Includes initial and residual fluid saturations, water production vs. capillary pressure, total porosity, dry bulk density, specific permeability to LNAPL and hydraulic conductivity.

LNAPL/Water Imbibition Capillary Pressure Package (ASTM D6836, API RP40) - Centrifugal Method; Includes initial and residual fluid saturations, LNAPL production vs. capillary pressure, total porosity, dry bulk density, specific permeability to LNAPL and hydraulic conductivity.

Relative Permeability curves with Production History (JBN, API RP40) - Water/product unsteady-state method; includes production history, endpoint saturations and relative permeability curve by JBN or J&R methods. Multiple preparation, technique, conditions and fluid variables are available. Includes sample properties.

Column Leaching Studies (ASTM D4874 or custom) - Tests and packages modified to handle the testing and measurement of DNAPL and DNAPL contaminated soils. Testing available for DNAPL, creosote or other materials from MGP and/or similar sites.

LNAPL Mobility Test Programs - API LNAST, Charbeneau, Site or State Specific, etc. Pore fluid saturation profile, lithology characterization, capillary pressure, fluid properties and core photo log. Multiple programs available, please contact IGL Customer Service for more details.

DNAPL Mobility Test Programs - Tests and packages modified to handle the testing and measurement of DNAPL and DNAPL contaminated soils. Testing available for DNAPL, creosote or other materials from MGP and/or similar sites.