INL GEOSCIENCES

Science

INL Geocentrifuge

Research Laboratory

The Geocentrifuge

Research Laboratory at

the Department of

Energy’s Idaho National

Laboratory was established to

provide important environmental, geotechnical, energy,

and national defense research

for the nation.

The centerpiece of the

laboratory is a 2-m

geocentrifuge. The centrifuge

has a 50 g-ton capacity, and is

capable of spinning a sample

as large as 70 cm long by 50

cm thick by 60 cm high.

The geocentrifuge subjects an

experimental sample to a

high-acceleration field by

spinning it rapidly around a

central shaft. When the

geocentrifuge is spinning at

260 revolutions per minute, it

is capable of applying up to

130 times the force of

earth’s gravity on an

experimental sample.

In this centrifugal

field, fluid flow

occurs much more rapidly

using the geocentrifuge

technique, allowing researchers to study in just a few

weeks, the effects of tens of

years of gravity-induced fluid

movement.

The geocentrifuge is constructed with an asymmetrical

beam arm and pendulum

swinging basket that rotates

within a steel and concrete

enclosure, ensuring both

safety and aerodynamic

efficiency during operation.

An automatic balancing

system compensates for

changes in the center mass

during operation – a feature

that is particularly useful in

many environmental

geocentrifuge applications

involving fluid movement.

INL researchers use the

geocentrifuge to perform

work such as:

• Evaluating engineered

caps and barriers

• Conducting unsaturated

flow and transport experiments

• Improving characterization

of contaminated sites

• Testing new geophysical

tools.

New tools are being developed to conduct accelerated

research experiments in the

INL geocentrifuge. Not only

must these tools collect

information more rapidly than

traditional laboratory experiments, they also must withstand high centrifugal force

while the geocentrifuge is

spinning. Tool designs to

monitor experiments while

they are in flight include new

moisture content sensors,

modified soil testing columns,

fluid sampling apparatus, and

geophysical tomographic

techniques.

INL model c-61 geotechnical

centrifuge system

(50-g ton, 2-m radius).

New flexible moisture content

probe design.
INL BIOTECHNOLOGY

05-GA50193-52

For more information

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Experimental control and

monitoring are accomplished

by using a computer mounted

on the geocentrifuge. This

ability allows for greater

experimental control of

geocentrifuge tests than is

possible on smaller centrifuges and allow in-flight

collection of monitoring data.

Data transmission from the

geocentrifuge computer to the

control room occurs in real

time, allowing the researchers

to evaluate the results of their

experiments while tests are in

progress.

Experimental setup using the INL geocentrifuge.

Earl D. Mattson, Ph.D.

Lead Researcher

(208) 526-4084

Earl.Mattson@inl.gov

Mark D. Ankeny, Ph.D.

Manager, Geosciences

Research

(208) 526-5748

Mark.Ankeny@inl.gov

INL Geocentrifuge Research

Laboratory web site:

http://www.inl.gov/centrifuge/

INL is a U.S. Department of Energy

national laboratory operated by

Battelle Energy Alliance

New numerical models have

been developed with university collaborators to analyze

experimental data from the

geocentrifuge. These models

include modified versions of

HYDRUS 1- and 2-D that

account for the applied

centrifugal force. The models

are used to both design

geocentrifuge experiments

and to estimate parameters

from outflow and tracer

experiments.

The Geocentrifuge Research

Laboratory is available for

use by guest scientists,

allowing personnel from other

institutions and laboratories to

perform research to test their

scientific and engineering

hypotheses. Guest and

visiting researchers are

encouraged to contact INL

scientists for collaboration

opportunities using this

facility.