Replacement for the Coretest URC-628
Why laboratories compare
Laboratories that built their capillary pressure workflow on a URC-628 look for a replacement when the machine, its drive or its automation computer reaches end of life, when spare parts or rotor recertification become hard to obtain, or when a second machine is needed to run the same method in parallel.
Coretest Automated Core Centrifuge vs URC-628
| Coretest Automated Core Centrifuge | URC-628 | |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Current production, configured to order | Legacy Coretest Systems model |
| Plug size | 1.5 in, up to 2 in long, 3 per run; 1 in rotor on request | 1 in or 1.5 in with the matching rotor |
| Maximum speed | 13,000 rpm, ±20 rpm | Set by rotor: PIR20 (1 in) 20,000 rpm; PIR16.5 (1.5 in) 16,500 rpm |
| Plug face radii / RCF | Drainage 43.0 / 93.8 mm, 17,720 ×g; imbibition 115.5 / 166.3 mm, 31,420 ×g at the outer face | Not stated in the catalogue |
| Readout | Stroboscope and camera image each measuring tube once per revolution; automatic level detection | Optional automation: computer-controlled CCD line camera and strobe; interface resolution 0.002 in |
| Data rate | Logged against time and speed; equilibrium judged per step | 10 per second, or 1 per revolution below 600 rpm; logarithmic intervals during ramp |
| Tests | Drainage and imbibition Pc, USBM cycle; production data for relative permeability | Drainage and imbibition Pc, USBM/Amott, relative permeability from transient production |
| Temperature | 20 to 40 °C during tests; vacuum chamber | Not stated in the catalogue |
| Control and software | 10 in touch screen; current industrial computer and acquisition software | PC-based camera and acquisition software of its period |
| Rotors | Own rotor yoke with drainage and inverted imbibition bucket sets | Compatible with earlier Rock Core Centrifuge rotors, buckets and accessories |
| Power | 220 V ±10 %, 50 Hz, single phase, 30 A | Not stated in the catalogue |
“Not stated” means the figure is not given in the manufacturer's published material; it does not mean the feature is absent.
What the differences mean in practice
Method transfer. The measuring principle is the same: a strobe freezes each tube, a camera reads the interface, and capillary pressure follows from speed, fluid densities and plug face radii. Your step tables are recalculated for the new radii so each step gives the same inlet-face capillary pressure as before.
Speed. The URC-628 PIR rotors reach 16,500 rpm on 1.5 in plugs and 20,000 rpm on 1 in plugs. The Automated Core Centrifuge runs to 13,000 rpm; its long imbibition arm (166.3 mm) keeps forced-imbibition capillary pressure high, but the highest drainage steps on tight rock should be checked against your schedule before ordering.
Rotors and accessories. The new machine uses its own rotor yoke and buckets. Existing PIR rotors and buckets are not carried over; plan plug holders and measuring tubes as part of the new scope.
Temperature and support. The new chamber is held at 20 to 40 °C under vacuum, and the electronics, drive and software are current production with spare parts and service from Coretest.
Who each is for
Laboratories replacing or adding to a URC-628 for 1.5 in imaging capillary pressure and USBM work, where the schedule stays within 13,000 rpm.
Laboratories whose method depends on 16,500 to 20,000 rpm steps or on existing PIR rotors, and whose unit can still be maintained and its rotors recertified.
Moving a URC-628 method
Send your speed schedule, plug dimensions, fluid pair and a sample data file from the URC-628. Coretest converts each step to the speed that gives the same inlet-face capillary pressure on the new rotor, marks any step above 13,000 rpm and maps your output columns to the new export format.
Questions
Is the Automated Core Centrifuge a replacement for the URC-628?
Yes, for 1.5 in imaging capillary pressure, imbibition and USBM work up to 13,000 rpm. Steps that need higher speed on 1.5 in plugs, or 1 in plugs at 20,000 rpm, are not covered by the standard configuration.
Can I use my PIR rotors on the new machine?
No. The Automated Core Centrifuge has its own rotor yoke and bucket sets, supplied with the machine.
Can Coretest service my existing URC-628?
Send the serial number, the fault and photos of the rotor and drive. We will say what can be repaired and what should be replaced.
Replacing a URC-628?
Send the rock type, plug size, fluid pair, target capillary pressure and temperature. We will match them to a rotor and configuration.
Request a quoteDatasheet (PDF)← Coretest Automated Core Centrifuge: description and specification
Also compare:
- Coretest Capillary Pressure Refrigerated Centrifuge LERC4500 as an alternative to the Vinci RC4500
- Coretest Automated Core Centrifuge as an alternative to the Core Lab ACES-300
- Coretest Automated Core Centrifuge as an alternative to the Vinci UC20
- Coretest UC-200 High-Speed Core Centrifuge as an alternative to the Vinci UC20
URC-628 is a legacy Coretest Systems model name, and PIR rotor designations are used here for identification only. Figures for the URC-628 are taken from the legacy Coretest catalogue and system description and are provided for engineering evaluation only; verify the configuration of your installed unit before planning a transfer.
