AutoLab 1500 is a compact, fully functional
triaxial apparatus designed to perform standard
coupled process petrophysical and rock
mechanics experiments on specimens up to 50
mm (2.0 in) in diameter at reservoir conditions
of overburden pressure, pore pressure, and
temperature.
Many systems generate force parallel to the core
axis with a large hydraulic cylinder operating at 20
MPa (3,000 psi), which necessitates a large and
inconvenient load frame. NER adopted an alternative
approach. A movable piston divides the pressure
vessel into two chambers.