Alternative to the Vinci UC20
Why laboratories compare
Laboratories look for an alternative to the UC20 when they need a second source for high-speed imaging centrifuge work, when budget or delivery time matter, or when temperature-controlled runs are required rather than ambient.
Coretest Automated Core Centrifuge vs Vinci UC20
| Coretest Automated Core Centrifuge | Vinci UC20 | |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 in rotor | 3 plugs, up to 2 in long (max 1.555 × 2.010 in) | 3 plugs, up to 2 in long |
| Other rotors | 1 in rotor on request | 6 × 1 in (up to 1 in long); 6 × 30 mm (up to 30 mm long) |
| Maximum speed, 1.5 in | 13,000 rpm drainage and imbibition | 16,500 rpm drainage; 15,000 rpm imbibition |
| Maximum speed, other | Per project | 20,000 rpm drainage / 16,000 rpm imbibition (1 in); 18,000 / 16,000 rpm (30 mm) |
| Speed control | ±20 rpm | ±20 rpm; minimum 1,000 rpm |
| Radius, 1.5 in | Drainage 43.0 / 93.8 mm; imbibition 115.5 / 166.3 mm (inner / outer plug face) | Radius length 91.3 mm drainage; 166.3 mm imbibition |
| RCF at outer plug face | 17,720 ×g drainage; 31,420 ×g imbibition | Not stated |
| Measuring tubes, 1.5 in | 6 mL, 0.1 mL graduation | 6, 12 and 23 mL |
| Readout | Stroboscope and camera, each tube once per revolution; automatic level detection | Camera synchronized with the tachometer, all holders imaged at every rotation |
| Interpretation | Hassler–Brunner or Forbes; production data export for relative permeability | Hassler–Brunner, Forbes, Hagoort; curve fitting; numerical history matching |
| Temperature | 20 to 40 °C during tests; vacuum chamber | Ambient |
| Pressure | Atmospheric | Atmospheric |
| Power | 220 V ±10 %, 50 Hz, single phase, 30 A | 200 to 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 20 A |
| Size / weight | 700 × 900 × 1300 mm / 450 kg | Not stated |
“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
Speed. On 1.5 in plugs the UC20 publishes 16,500 rpm for drainage against 13,000 rpm for the Coretest machine. At the same imbibition radius of 166.3 mm that is about 1.3 times the capillary pressure at the inlet face in forced imbibition, and more in drainage. If the programme needs the highest Pc on tight rock, the UC20 has more headroom.
Temperature. The UC20 runs at ambient. The Coretest chamber is held between 20 and 40 °C under vacuum, which keeps fluid density and viscosity steady through long high-speed steps, where windage would otherwise warm the rotor.
Rotors and tubes. Vinci publishes six-place rotors for 1 in and 30 mm plugs and larger 12 and 23 mL tubes. The Coretest machine is built around the 1.5 in rotor; a 1 in rotor and other tube volumes are specified per project.
Who each is for
Laboratories running 1.5 in plugs that want imaging capillary pressure and USBM cycles at controlled temperature, with rotor radii and RCF published up front.
Laboratories that need up to 20,000 rpm, six-place 1 in or 30 mm rotors, larger tubes, 60 Hz supply or an integrated interpretation package.
Moving an existing UC20 method
Send your speed schedule, plug dimensions and fluid pair. Imbibition steps on 1.5 in plugs transfer directly because the outer imbibition radius is the same; Coretest recalculates drainage steps for its rotor and marks any step above 13,000 rpm.
Questions
Is the Coretest machine a direct substitute for the UC20?
For 1.5 in plugs up to 13,000 rpm, yes in method: same plug size, strobe imaging, drainage and inverted imbibition buckets. Steps that need more speed are not covered.
Can the chamber be cooled?
Yes. The chamber is held at 20 to 40 °C during tests.
Is 60 Hz supply available?
The standard machine is 50 Hz. A 60 Hz supply is handled in the project specification.
Need imaging capillary pressure on 1.5 in plugs?
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
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Trademark notice: Vinci Technologies and the model names referenced on this page are trademarks of their respective owners. Coretest is not affiliated with, authorized, endorsed or sponsored by these companies. Comparisons are based on each manufacturer's published brochures and product pages as of 28 September 2026 and are provided for engineering evaluation only. Specifications change; verify current data with each vendor before purchase.
