Abstract: A cryogenic temperature controller assembly includes a controller and a thermostatic block that has a chamber for receiving a sample holder therein. The thermostatic block has a heat sink with an exposed surface for exposure to a cryogenic fluid. A heater is disposed intermediate the exposed surface and the chamber. The heater is connected to the controller. A temperature probe is disposed in the thermostatic block. The probe is connected to the controller. The controller regulates the heater based on an actual temperature from the probe to maintain a predetermined set point temperature in the thermostatic block.

Abstract: A cryogenic temperature controller assembly includes a controller and a thermostatic block that has a chamber for receiving a sample holder therein. The thermostatic block has a heat sink with an exposed surface for exposure to a cryogenic fluid. A heater is disposed intermediate the exposed surface and the chamber. The heater is connected to the controller. A temperature probe is disposed in the thermostatic block. The probe is connected to the controller. The controller regulates the heater based on an actual temperature from the probe to maintain a predetermined set point temperature in the thermostatic block.

Abstract: A method of determining pore size of a porous material. The method includes saturating the porous material with a conducting liquid. Measuring, with an electro-acoustic device, a phase of the seismo-electric or electro-seismic signal at a single frequency or multiple frequencies. Calculating an average pore size from the measured phase of the seismo-electric or electro-seismic signal at single frequency using a theory that takes into account the hydrodynamic relaxation of the conducting liquid inside of the pores of the porous material. Calculating pore size distribution from the similar measurement conducted at multiple frequencies using the same theory.

Abstract: A method of determining pore size of a porous material. The method includes saturating the porous material with a conducting liquid. Measuring, with an electro-acoustic device, a phase of the seismo-electric or electro-seismic signal at a single frequency or multiple frequencies. Calculating an average pore size from the measured phase of the seismo-electric or electro-seismic signal at single frequency using a theory that takes into account the hydrodynamic relaxation of the conducting liquid inside of the pores of the porous material. Calculating pore size distribution from the similar measurement conducted at multiple frequencies using the same theory.

Abstract: Propagation of ultrasound through a porous body saturated with liquid generates electric response. This electro-acoustic effect is called “seismoelectric current”, whereas reverse version, when electric field is driving force, is “electroseismic current”. It is possible to measure seismoelectric current with existing electro-acoustic devices, which had been designed for characterizing liquid dispersions. Such versatility allows calibration of said devise using dispersion and then applying it for characterizing porous body. In general, magnitude of seismoelectric current depends on porosity, pore size, zeta potential of pore surfaces and elastic properties of matrix. It is possible to adjust conductivity of liquid for simplifying these dependences. For instance, liquid with high ionic strength causes double layers become thin comparing to the pore size, which eliminates dependence of said currents on pore size. We suggest using such case for characterizing porosity.

Abstract: Propagation of ultrasound through a porous body saturated with liquid generates electric response. This electro-acoustic effect is called “seismoelectric current”, whereas reverse version, when electric field is driving force, is “electroseismic current”. It is possible to measure seismoelectric current with existing electro-acoustic devices, which had been designed for characterizing liquid dispersions. Such versatility allows calibration of said devise using dispersion and then applying it for characterizing porous body. In general, magnitude of seismoelectric current depends on porosity, pore size, zeta potential of pore surfaces and elastic properties of matrix. It is possible to adjust conductivity of liquid for simplifying these dependences. For instance, liquid with high ionic strength causes double layers become thin comparing to the pore size, which eliminates dependence of said currents on pore size. We suggest using such case for characterizing porosity.