Chemostratigraphy (XRF)

Using Chemostratigraphy (XRF) to determine elemental compositions

The EDXRF device irradiates a sample (i.e. core, sidewall core, drill cutting) with energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) causing each element in the sample to respond characteristically. The device’s inbuilt computer detects elements heavier than Sodium (Na).

This has potential as a stratigraphic tool, especially for:

  • Poorly fossiliferous deposits of Triassic or older age
  • Improving the resolution of thick homogenous sequences
  • XRF can be used as an environmental proxy
  • Non destructive analytic method
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Chemostratigraphic chart.
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XRF analysis.

Advantages of XRF:

  • Non-destructive
  • Inexpensive, effective and quick to analyse
  • Valuable when no logs exist (e.g. horizontal wells)
  • Identification of faults in horizontal wells
  • At wellsite or in onshore laboratory.

Please contact us to discuss our chemostratigraphy services:

biostratigraphy@apt-int.com
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