Center for the Collective Use of Scientific Equipment
«Modern Technologies for the Earth and Solar System Materials Study» offers following services:

№ Type of research (work) Characteristic of parameters
1 Optical-microscopic research of rocks and ores Microtexture and phase composition of samples of rocks, ores and other natural/manmade objects is determined. Research method – optical microscopy in passing and reflected light. The research is carried out on universal polarizing microscopes POLAM RP-1, POLAM R-312, MBS-9/10 etc.
2 Electron probe microanalysis (EPMA/EMP) Provides local (micron level micro-volume) determination of elements from Na to U in minerals and other natural/manmade objects.
Research method – electron probe X-ray spectral micro analysis (EPMA/EMP). Content is determined in mass fractions (wt%), assay range is from 0,0n up to 100 wt%. Detection limit (DL) – 0,0n-0,n wt%. Error – less than +10 relative% for concentrations ≥10×DL. The measurement is carried out on a raster electron microscope-microanalyzer REMMA-202M (accelerating voltage range 0,2-40 kV).
3 Electron microscopic research of rocks and other objects Determination of microtexture and phase composition of samples of rocks, ores and other natural/manmade objects. Research method – Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The study is carried out on a raster electron microscope-microanalyzer REMMA-202M.
4 Determination of main components content (SiO2, TiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3total (FeOtotal), MnO, MgO, CaO, Na2O, K2O, P2O5, S, Cl, LOI) Characterizes chemical composition of the matrix of rocks, minerals, ores and their processing products as well as other natural/manmade objects. Research method – wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WD XRF). Content is determined in mass fractions (wt%), assay range is from 0,01 up to 100 wt%. Detection limit (DL) – 0,001-0,11 wt%. Error – less than +10 relative% for concentrations ≥10×DL. The measurement is carried out on multichannel X-ray spectrometers SRM-25.
5 Determination of trace elements content (from Ni up to U) Characterizes trace elements content (including toxic and ore) in rocks, minerals, ores, and their processing products as well as other natural/manmade objects. Research method – energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED XRF). Content is determined in mass fractions (wt%), assay range is from 0,000n up to 100 wt%. Detection limit (DL) – 0,000n-0,01 wt%. Error – less than +10-15 relative% for concentrations ≥10×DL. The measurement is carried out on X-ray spectrometers SER-01 (ElvaX-Mini) and SER-01 (ElvaX-Light).
6 Determination of trace elements content (Ba, La, Ce, Pr, Nd) Characterizes trace elements content. Research method – energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED XRF). Content is determined in mass fractions (wt%), assay range is from 0,001 up to 100 wt%. Detection limit (DL) – 0,000n-0,01 wt%. Error – less than +10-15 relative% for concentrations ≥10×DL. The measurement is carried out on X-ray spectrometer RFS RD.
7 Identification of phases (minerals) and determination of phase composition of polymineralic samples Provides diagnostics for minerals and mineral composition of rocks and other natural/manmade objects. Research method – X-ray diffraction (XRD). The measurement is carried out on computerized X-ray diffractometer DRON-UM1.
8 Determination of trace elements content in individual micro-grains of minerals Provides diagnostics for minerals and trace elements content (Sr, Y, La, Ce, Th, U, Pb etc.) in individual microcrystals ≥30-50 µm in size. Research method – «mini»-energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (mini-XRF). Content is determined in mass fractions (wt%), assay range is from 0,000n up to 100 wt%. Detection limit (DL) – 0,000n-0,n wt%. Error – less than +10 relative% for concentrations ≥10×DL. The measurement is carried out on X-ray spectrometer MicroRFS
9 Density test Provides diagnostics of the density of rocks and constructional materials with volumetric, apparent mineralogical methods in dry and saturated conditions.
10 Porosity test Provides diagnostics of open, effective and dynamic porosity of rocks and constructional materials using gas volumetric and hydrostatic methods.
11 Permeability test Provides diagnostics of absolute and phase permeability of rocks and constructional materials by methods of linear and radial filtration of nitrogen, kerosene and mineralized water.
12 Capillarometry test Provides diagnostics of the structure of the void space by centrifugation.
13 Study of formation fluid composition Provides diagnostics of reservoir fluid composition (on sealed core samples) using the Sacks apparatus.
14 Electrometric studies Provides diagnostics of the specific electrical resistance of rocks and constructional materials at different degrees of water saturation under atmospheric conditions and physical simulation of formation conditions.
15 Acoustic studies Provides diagnostics of the velocities of elastic waves (interval time) of rocks and constructional materials at various degrees of saturation in atmospheric conditions and physical simulation of formation conditions.
16 Structural dynamic test Provides diagnostics of: structural behavior of rocks, including «rupture» and constructional materials «compression» during physical simulation of hydraulic fracturing.
17 Laboratory radiometric test Laboratory radiometric analysis of samples of rocks, ores, soils, construction materials and food products, with the determination of the content of natural and artificial radionuclides.
18 Radiometric survey Provide operational assessment of the radiation leveles; radioecological monitoring; radiometric surveys; gamma-ray log for shallow wells; radiometric test in dwellings.
19 Emanation survey (radon method) Provide: measurements of volume activity of radon in dwelling; assessment of the surface flow of radon at construction sites; determination of volume activity of radon in water supply sources; emanation survey.