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Sample Types
Special Core Analysis
Fluid Properties
Test Packages


PTS Laboratories leads the industry in using advanced core analysis techniques to provide integrated data packages that consist of basic soil properties, advanced soil properties and Risk-Based (RBCA) Parameters.

In addition to Risk-Based Parameters, advanced core analysis is used to measure the physical, chemical or electrical properties of soil in order to model contaminant removal and maximize remediation efficiency or to determine whether further action is required for closure. Site-specific fluid properties have become increasingly important in determining contaminant mobility and the long-term benefits/effects of various remedial options.

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. PTS 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 Spoon
  • 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. PTS can even work with core diameters down to 1” diameter or less in many instances. Waters should be sampled in glass or plastic containers. NAPL should be sampled in glass or steel containers with no preservatives.

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Special Core Analysis
The following table lists our most popular advanced core analysis tests including Mobility and Risk-Based Parameters. PTS has the capability to perform many more tests and analyses than those listed. If you don't see a required test or analysis here, please give our customer service representatives a call at (562) 907-3607 in California or (713) 680-9467 in Texas or email us at: info@ptsgeolabs.com.

Advanced Core Analysis and Risk-Based Parameters

  • Soil Moisture Retention Curve
  • van Genuchten Parameters
  • Air/Water Drainage Capillary Pressure
  • Oil/Water Drainage Capillary Pressure
  • Oil/Water Imbibition Capillary Pressure
  • Air/Oil Drainage Capillary Pressure
  • Porous Plate Capillary Pressure
  • Porous Membrane Capillary Pressure
  • Specific Retention/Yield
  • Residual Saturations
  • Mobility Parameters
  • Oil/Water Drainage Relative Permeability
  • Oil/Water Imbibition Relative Permeability
  • Air/Water Imbibition Relative Permeability
  • Air/Water Drainage Relative Permeability
  • Soil or Column Leaching Data
  • Environmental Forensics
  • Mercury Injection Porosimetry
  • Pore Size Distribution
  • Soil or Column Leaching Data
  • Steam or Thermal Simulation
  • KMnO4 or Fenton’s Reagent Soil Columns
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Fluid Properties

  • Interfacial Tension
  • Surface Tension
  • Oil/Product (NAPL) Gravity
  • Viscosity; Water or NAPL
  • Viscosity, <12° API 1 Temp.
  • Viscosity, >12° API 3 Temps
  • Reid Vapor Pressure
  • Sulfur in Oil
  • Oil Cleaning
  • Separation of Oil and Water
  • B, S, & W, ASTM D-96
  • Environmental Forensics
  • OILPRINT™ Fingerprinting
  • FSCOT
  • PONA (PIANO)

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Test Packages
Our Advanced Core Analysis Test Packages combine basic parameters with sophisticated tests and analyses designed to provide an integrated data package. Custom packages can also be created that satisfy your modeling and risk-based requirements or to fully simulate remedial processes. For additional information on any of these packages or designing a custom test program, please give our customer service representatives a call at (562) 907-3607 in California or (713) 680-2291 in Texas or email at info@ptsgeolabs.com.

A PTS Laboratories Test Package combines several basic analyses to provide an integrated data package. Custom Packages can also be created that satisfy all modeling and risk assessment parameters or to meet regulatory agency requirements.

Air/Water Drainage Capillary Pressure Package Centrifugal Method: Includes initial and residual fluid saturations, water production vs. capillary pressure, total porosity, dry bulk density, air permeability and hydraulic conductivity.
NAPL Mobility Test Program API LNAST, Charbeneau, Site or State Specific, etc. Pore fluid saturation profile, lithology characterization, capillary pressure, fluid properties and core photolog. Multiple programs available.
Free Product Mobility (Residual Saturation) Package 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 and dry bulk density.
Fluid Properties Package 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 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 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.
Production History with Relative Permeability curves Water/product unsteady-state method (USS); 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 or custom) Multiple preparation, technique, conditions and fluid variables are available. Includes sample and fluid properties.
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