Microfluidic analyses

Visual analysis of gas behavior at the pore scale during underground storage is a central pillar of the Institute’s research activities.

Microbial cultures, their biochemical interactions with mixtures, and their influence on gas composition are critical parameters that must be observed and quantified. The Institute of Subsurface Energy Systems is equipped with a high-quality, multifunctional, high-resolution, and high-performance microscope featuring two separate light sources (brightfield and darkfield) as well as a high-speed camera.

With six different magnification lenses, this microscope allows for imaging of either the entire micro-model or individual areas within the porous medium. In addition, the system features an integrated data acquisition system and a heating device (max. 120 °C). For the investigation of microbial processes, an image processing algorithm was developed to quantify changes in microbial density over time. The measurement of gas composition within the system can be performed using a gas chromatograph even at very low flow rates (µl/min).