FLOXLAB VEU Vacuum Impregnation Unit
| Brand | FLOXLAB |
|---|---|
| Origin | France |
| Model | VEU |
| Rotating Disc Diameter | 200 mm |
| Standard Mold Capacity | 10 units |
| Weight | 20 kg |
| Overall Dimensions (W×D×H) | 440 × 300 × 450 mm |
| Chamber Dimensions (Ø × H) | 200 mm × 150 mm |
| Power Supply | 220 V, 50/60 Hz |
Overview
The FLOXLAB VEU Vacuum Impregnation Unit is an engineered solution for controlled vacuum-assisted resin infiltration into porous and friable geological core samples—primarily employed in petroleum geoscience laboratories, reservoir characterization facilities, and upstream materials testing centers. Designed around the principle of sequential vacuum evacuation followed by atmospheric or pressure-assisted resin ingress, the VEU ensures uniform penetration of low-viscosity epoxy or acrylic resins into micro- and macro-pore networks without inducing mechanical stress or sample disintegration. Its operation adheres to standardized petrographic preparation protocols aligned with ASTM D3907 (Standard Practice for Preparation of Core Samples for Petrographic Analysis) and ISO 14688-1 (Geotechnical Investigation and Testing — Identification and Classification of Soil), supporting reproducible sample stabilization prior to thin-sectioning, SEM imaging, or digital rock physics workflows.
Key Features
- Sealed cylindrical impregnation chamber (Ø200 mm × 150 mm H) constructed from corrosion-resistant anodized aluminum alloy, rated for continuous vacuum operation up to 10 mbar absolute pressure
- Motor-driven rotating disc (200 mm diameter) with precision-machined mold mounting slots—enabling simultaneous impregnation of up to 10 standard petrographic molds (e.g., 25 mm Ø × 20 mm H)
- Integrated vacuum control system featuring a two-stage rotary vane pump, analog vacuum gauge, and adjustable venting valve for controlled pressure ramping and dwell cycles
- Compact benchtop footprint (440 × 300 × 450 mm) with reinforced base plate and vibration-dampened motor mount—optimized for stable operation in shared analytical lab environments
- Universal power input (220 V, 50/60 Hz) with internal EMI filtering and thermal cut-off protection compliant with IEC 61000-6-3 and IEC 60950-1 safety standards
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The VEU accommodates a broad range of unconsolidated, partially cemented, and highly fractured reservoir rock specimens—including sandstones, carbonates, shale matrix fragments, and unconventional tight-gas cores—without requiring pre-compaction or binder pre-treatment. Sample dimensions are constrained only by mold geometry; typical use cases involve cylindrical plugs (1″–1.5″ diameter), irregular cuttings, or slabbed outcrop samples mounted in reusable aluminum or stainless-steel molds. The unit supports GLP-compliant documentation when integrated with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and its vacuum cycle parameters (duration, final pressure, ramp rate) are manually loggable per ASTM D5777 Annex A1 requirements for core sample preparation traceability.
Software & Data Management
The FLOXLAB VEU operates as a stand-alone electromechanical instrument with no embedded firmware or digital interface. All process parameters—including vacuum hold time, rotation speed (fixed at 5 rpm for optimal meniscus stability), and ambient temperature monitoring—are set and verified manually via front-panel controls and analog instrumentation. While not equipped with data logging or USB/RS-232 connectivity, the unit’s operational repeatability enables full integration into audit-ready workflows: users may record vacuum profiles using external calibrated pressure transducers (e.g., Validyne DP15) and synchronize timestamps with LIMS entries for FDA 21 CFR Part 11–aligned electronic records where required.
Applications
- Petrographic thin-section preparation for optical microscopy and cathodoluminescence analysis
- Stabilization of friable shale or chalk cores prior to CT scanning and digital rock modeling (DRM)
- Resin injection prior to ion-beam milling (FIB-SEM) to prevent edge chipping and charging artifacts
- Preparation of consolidated plug samples for routine porosity-permeability measurements (ASTM D2852, API RP 40)
- Supporting geochemical analysis workflows where physical integrity during acid digestion or XRF pelletizing must be preserved
FAQ
What types of resins are compatible with the VEU chamber?
Low-viscosity epoxy resins (e.g., Epofix®, Araldite® LY1564), methyl methacrylate-based acrylics, and vacuum-grade polyester monomers—provided their vapor pressure remains below 0.1 mbar at 25°C.
Can the VEU be used with volatile solvents or low-boiling-point monomers?
No—solvent-based systems or monomers with boiling points below 80°C (e.g., styrene, acetone-diluted formulations) are not recommended due to excessive vapor load and potential pump oil contamination.
Is the rotating disc speed adjustable?
No—the disc rotates at a fixed 5 rpm to maintain laminar resin flow across mold surfaces and minimize air entrapment during repressurization.
Does the unit include vacuum pump oil or consumables?
The VEU ships with a factory-installed two-stage rotary vane pump containing ISO VG 68 mineral oil; users must perform scheduled oil changes per manufacturer guidelines (typically every 500 operating hours).
What maintenance is required for long-term calibration stability?
Annual verification of vacuum gauge linearity against a NIST-traceable reference and inspection of O-ring integrity in the chamber lid seal are recommended to ensure consistent 10 mbar performance.
