Of rats and rocks: using pre-clinical PET imaging facilities in core analysis

Positron emission tomography (PET) is routinely used for medical imaging; a current surge in published geoscientific research utilizing this modality also infer increasing interest in-situ PET imaging core analysis. Excellent signal to noise ratio coupled with high temporal and spatial resolution suggest that might become the new method-of-choice Obstacles related production, transfer handling of radioactive fluids gases must, however, be dealt widely scale technique. This paper describes an ongoing, true multidisciplinary collaboration, where pre-clinical facilities are analysis investigate dynamic fluid flow at pressure conditions. We detail challenges opportunities porous media established laboratory designed small-animal imaging, demonstrate significant potential context long-term carbon storage. Explicit several phases possible by using range readily available radiotracers. Relevant radiotracers storage e.g. radioisotope 11 C water-soluble tracer 18 F. These both short-lived tracers (20 - 110 min) must doses radiation, which present safe handling. Although there obstacles conduct advanced hospital (some detailed paper), advantages include trained personnel on-site operate local cyclotron, procedures place ensure efficient radiopharmaceuticals from image capabilities available. Cyclotrons worldwide (currently more than 1200 operating cyclotrons), often located close proximity academic institutions. Similar collaborations may therefore elsewhere, reducing need allocated geophysical PET-scanners lowering threshold