WRI-HTP (FR7.1)

This facility provides state-of-the-art equipments for the experimental study of hydrothermal processes (i.e. 0 to 500 bars and up to 300-400°C). The facility is equipped with 2 Dixon-Seyfried rocking autoclaves which are operating with titanium bags and are equipped with a sampling port for gas and fluid analysis; as well as several cold-seal autoclaves working with golden capsules up to 3kbar and 850°C for hydrothermal synthesis.

The facility also has 2 permeameters (flow-through devices) allowing the injection of fluids through a rock core (diam 5.6mm, length few cm) up to 500 bar and 400°C. This set up allows the investigation of reactive transport in hydrothermal conditions, and in particular to study the in-situ carbonation of ultramafic rocks.

The facility is incorporated in the experimental facilities of the laboratory offering experiments from high temperatures and pressures (GPa, several thousands degrees), to the hydrothermal conditions described here. The facility also benefits from a dedicated workshop for the repairs as well as the development of new functionalities. Finally, the laboratory also offers state-of-the-art analytical facilities, both for the solid and the fluid (XRD, SEM, TEM, gas and liquid chromatography and ICP-MS).

The permeameters are unique as they offer a range of working pressure and temperature higher than similar facilities. The combination of batch autoclaves and reactive transport experiments also allows for the consistent investigation of hydrothermal processes, both in terms of mineralogy and mineral synthesis but also in terms of transport processes and hydrochemical feedbacks.