Single Point Ramped Imaging With T1 Enhancement Research Articles

Shale Characterization Using T1-T2* Magnetic Resonance Relaxation Correlation Measurement at Low and High Magnetic Fields

Shale characterization is complicated by low porosity and low permeability. Nano-porosity and a high degree of heterogeneity present further difficulties. 1H magnetic resonance (MR) methods have great potential to provide quantitative and spatially resolved information on fluids present in porous rocks. The shale MR response, however, is challenging to interpret due to short-lived signals that complicate quantitative signal detection and imaging. Multicomponent signals require high-resolution methods for adequate signal differentiation. MR methods must cope with low measurement sensitivity at low field. In this paper, T1-T2* and Look-Locker T1*-T2* methods were employed to resolve the shale signal for water, oil, and kerogen at high and low field. This permits fluid quantification and kerogen assessment. The T1-T2* measurement was employed to understand and control contrast in the single-point ramped imaging with T1 enhancement (SPRITE) imaging method. This permitted imaging that gave separate images of water and oil. Water absorption/desorption, evaporation, step pyrolysis, and water uptake experiments were monitored using T1-T2* measurement and MR imaging. The results showed (i) the capability of the T1-T2* measurement to differentiate and quantify kerogen, oil, and water in shales, (ii) the characterization of shale heterogeneity on the core plug scale, and (iii) demonstrated the key role of wettability in determining the spatial distribution of water in shales.

Distortion-free inside-out imaging for rapid diagnostics of rechargeable Li-ion cells

Safety risks associated with modern high energy-dense rechargeable cells highlight the need for advanced battery screening technologies. A common rechargeable cell exposed to a uniform magnetic field creates a characteristic field perturbation due to the inherent magnetism of electrochemical materials. The perturbation pattern depends on the design, state of charge, accumulated mechanical defects, and manufacturing flaws of the device. The quantification of the induced magnetic field with MRI provides a basis for noninvasive battery diagnostics. MRI distortions and rapid signal decay are the main challenges associated with strongly magnetic components present in most commercial cells. These can be avoided by using Single-Point Ramped Imaging with T1 enhancement (SPRITE). The method is immune to image artifacts arising from strong background gradients and eddy currents. Due to its superior image quality, SPRITE is highly sensitive to defects and the state of charge distribution in commercial Li-ion cells.

Controlling susceptibility mismatch effects, signal lifetimes, and SNR through variation of B0 in MRI of rock core plugs.

1H relaxometry measurements of petroleum core plugs are commonly performed on low field magnets (<0.5 Tesla) to reduce the influence of magnetic susceptibility mismatch on measurements of the spin-spin relaxation time, T2. The Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) of the MR signal, however, generally decreases with lower magnetic fields. Higher magnetic fields (>3 Tesla) are typically employed in small animal MRI studies to improve SNR and image resolution. For many rock core plug samples, susceptibility mismatch effects can be severe at these higher fields leading to decreased T2 and T2*. In this work we seek an answer to the general question of what is the best field for MRI of rock core plugs, anticipating that it will be both sample and measurement method dependent. Free Induction Decay (FID) relaxation time measurements were undertaken to investigate the conditions under which the SNR in Centric Scan SPRITE (Single Point Ramped Imaging with T1 Enhancement) MRI measurements is maximized. The image SNR benefits from greater signal at higher fields, but is negatively impacted by the correspondingly shorter signal lifetimes. Depending on the noise regime of the sample, the maximum SNR may be predicted for Centric Scan SPRITE MRI with T2* being B0 field dependent. In this work we describe a series of simple experimental considerations to determine the optimal B0 field for SPRITE MRI. Selection of the best field is aided by a new generation of superconducting magnets which allows the experimentalist to readily vary the field strength. Such magnets allow one to experimentally control sample magnetization for high sensitivity MRI measurements of core plug samples, while controlling the effect of susceptibility mismatch on the signal lifetimes.

Mapping B1-induced eddy current effects near metallic structures in MR images: A comparison of simulation and experiment

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the presence of metallic structures is very common in medical and non-medical fields. Metallic structures cause MRI image distortions by three mechanisms: (1) static field distortion through magnetic susceptibility mismatch, (2) eddy currents induced by switched magnetic field gradients and (3) radio frequency (RF) induced eddy currents. Single point ramped imaging with T1 enhancement (SPRITE) MRI measurements are largely immune to susceptibility and gradient induced eddy current artifacts. As a result, one can isolate the effects of metal objects on the RF field. The RF field affects both the excitation and detection of the magnetic resonance (MR) signal. This is challenging with conventional MRI methods, which cannot readily separate the three effects.RF induced MRI artifacts were investigated experimentally at 2.4T by analyzing image distortions surrounding two geometrically identical metallic strips of aluminum and lead. The strips were immersed in agar gel doped with contrast agent and imaged employing the conical SPRITE sequence. B1 mapping with pure phase encode SPRITE was employed to measure the B1 field around the strips of metal. The strip geometry was chosen to mimic metal electrodes employed in electrochemistry studies.Simulations are employed to investigate the RF field induced eddy currents in the two metallic strips. The RF simulation results are in good agreement with experimental results. Experimental and simulation results show that the metal has a pronounced effect on the B1 distribution and B1 amplitude in the surrounding space. The electrical conductivity of the metal has a minimal effect.

Purely phase-encoded MRI of turbulent flow through a dysfunctional bileaflet mechanical heart valve

We have used a purely phase-encoded magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique, single-point ramped imaging with T1 enhancement (SPRITE), to investigate the steady, turbulent flow dynamics through a bileaflet mechanical heart valve (BMHV). We have measured in vitro the turbulent diffusivity and velocity downstream of the valve in two configurations (fully opened and partially opened), which mimic normal and dysfunctional operation. Our constant-time implementation of the MRI measurement is unusually robust to fast turbulent flows, and to artefacts caused by the pyrolytic carbon construction of the valve. Turbulent diffusivity downstream of the normally functioning valve peaks at 1.05 × 10(-6)m(2)/s, while the turbulent diffusivity is higher downstream of the dysfunctional valve (peaking at 3.15 × 10(-6) m(2)/s) and is accompanied by a high-velocity fluid jet and re-circulating flow. The fluid jet is not along the centreline of the valve, as might be anticipated in conventional Doppler echocardiography measurements. The nature of motion-sensitized SPRITE makes it unusually capable in turbulent flows and near to boundaries between different magnetic susceptibilities. These qualities have allowed us to compare the three-dimensional flow fields through normal and dysfunctional BMHVs.

Hybrid-SPRITE MRI

In a FID based frequency encoding MRI experiment the central part of k-space is not generally accessible due to the probe dead time. This portion of k-space is however crucial for image reconstruction. SPRITE (Single Point Ramped Imaging with T1 Enhancement), SPI with a linearly ramped phase encode gradient, has been employed to image short relaxation time systems for many years with great success. It is a robust imaging method in significant measure because it provides acquisition of high quality k-space origin data. We propose a new sampling scheme, termed hybrid-SPRITE, combining phase and frequency encoding to ensure high quality images with reduced acquisition times, reduced gradient duty cycle and increased sensitivity. In hybrid-SPRITE, numerous time domain points are collected to assist image reconstruction. An Inverse Non-uniform Discrete Fourier Transform (INDFT) is employed in 1D applications. A pseudo-polar grid is exploited in 2D hybrid-SPRITE for rapid and accurate image reconstruction.

Multi-Frame SPRITE: A method for resolution enhancement of multiple-point SPRITE data

The Single Point Ramped Imaging with T1 Enhancement (SPRITE) sequence is well suited for the acquisition of magnetic resonance signals from fast relaxing nuclei and from heterogeneous materials. However, it is time inefficient compared to sequences that are based on frequency encoding because only one single point is acquired per excitation. Multiple-point SPRITE (mSPRITE) mitigates this problem with the acquisition of multiple FID points. mSPRITE images reconstructed from early FID samples suffer from reduced spatial resolution due to the limited extent of its corresponding k-space. In this work we present a new reconstruction algorithm for spatial resolution enhancement that solves this problem without changes to the mSPRITE sequence. The method, called Multi-Frame mSPRITE, substitutes high spatial frequencies from late FID points into k-spaces of limited extent constructed from early FID points. In this way, images of high quality and resolution can be obtained despite a large range of zoom factors used to reconstruct images with the same FOV and resolution.

Velocity field measurements in sedimentary rock cores by magnetization prepared 3D SPRITE

A time-efficient MRI method suitable for quantitative mapping of 3-D velocity fields in sedimentary rock cores, and granular samples is discussed. The method combines the 13-interval Alternating-Pulsed-Gradient Stimulated-Echo (APGSTE) scheme and three-dimensional Single Point Ramped Imaging with T1 Enhancement (SPRITE). Collecting a few samples near the q-space origin and employing restricted k-space sampling dramatically improves the performance of the imaging method. The APGSTE–SPRITE method is illustrated through mapping of 3-D velocity field in a macroscopic bead pack and heterogeneous sandstone and limestone core plugs. The observed flow patterns are consistent with a general trend for permeability to increase with the porosity. Domains of low permeability obstruct the flow within the core volume. Water tends to flow along macroscopic zones of higher porosity and across zones of lower porosity.

Magnetic resonance imaging inside cylindrical metal containers with an eddy current self-compensated method

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements inside cylindrical metal structures have recently been proposed and form the basis for new high-pressure MRI studies. The critical problem for MRI inside cylindrical metal structures is significant eddy currents induced by the switched magnetic field gradients, which usually corrupt spatial and motion encoding without appropriate correction. In this work a so-called standard SPRITE (single point ramped imaging with T1 enhancement) technique is applied for imaging inside cylindrical metal structures. We show that the standard SPRITE technique is fundamentally immune to large-scale eddy current effects and yields artifact-free high-quality images with no eddy current correction required. Standard SPRITE image acquisition avoids the complications involved in the measurement and compensation of eddy current effects for MRI with cylindrical metal structures. This work is a substantial advance toward the extension of MRI to new challenging systems, which are of practical importance.

Permeability mapping in porous media by magnetization prepared centric-scan SPRITE

The ability of porous media to transmit fluids is commonly referred to as permeability. The concept of permeability is central for hydrocarbon recovery from petroleum reservoirs and for studies of groundwater flow in aquifers. Spatially resolved measurements of permeability are of great significance for fluid dynamics studies. A convenient concept of local Darcy’s law is suggested for parallel flow systems. The product of porosity and mean velocity images in the plane across the average flow direction is directly proportional to permeability. Single Point Ramped Imaging with T 1 Enhancement (SPRITE) permits reliable quantification of local fluid content and flow in porous media. It is particularly advantageous for reservoir rocks characterized by fast magnetic relaxation of a saturating fluid. Velocity encoding using the Cotts pulsed field gradient scheme improves the accuracy of measured flow parameters. The method is illustrated through measurements of 2D permeability maps in a capillary bundle, glass bead packs and composite sandstone samples.

Diagonal-SPRITE and Its Applications for In Vivo Imaging at High Field

Many solid or semi-solid tissues have ultra-short or short T2* components that make them virtually “invisible” to standard MRI techniques. For this reason, methods such as ultra-short echo time (UTE) techniques were developed to investigate and detect some of these short and ultra-short time components. Here we report on the development and implementation of a novel version of the Single Point Ramped Imaging with T1 Enhancement (SPRITE) technique in order to image mouse models. The method, called diagonal-SPRITE, was optimized within hardware limitations such as duty cycle and gradient strength at high field. Preliminary in vivo MR T2* value of organs of normal mouse models and related T2* maps were generated. In addition, the sequence was applied to highlight stomach short T2* after the application of a long T2* suppression pulse and to achieve a positive contrast in a SPIO-labelled cells experiment.

An accurate nonuniform fourier transform for SPRITE magnetic resonance imaging data

A new algorithm is proposed for computing the discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) of purely phase encoded data acquired during Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) experiments. These experiments use the SPRITE (Single Point Ramped Imaging with T 1 Enhancement) method and multiple-point acquisition, sampling data in a nonuniform manner that prohibits reconstruction by fast Fourier transform. The chirp z-transform algorithm of Rabiner, Schafer, and Rader can be combined with phase corrections to compute the DFT of this data to extremely high accuracy. This algorithm outperforms the interpolation methods that are traditionally used to process nonuniform data, both in terms of execution time and in terms of accuracy as compared to the DFT.

Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging methods for core analysis

Abstract The majority of sedimentary rocks have significant paramagnetic impurities, which lead to magnetic resonance signal lifetimes too short to be detected by clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods. Quantitative information is the ultimate goal for rock-core analysis. The SPRITE (single-point ramped imaging with T 1 enhancement) imaging technique has proven to be a very robust and flexible method for the study of a wide range of systems with short signal lifetimes. As a pure phase-encoding technique, SPRITE is largely immune to image distortions generated by susceptibility variations, chemical shift and paramagnetic impurities, unlike clinical magnetic resonance imaging methods. It enables systems with transverse lifetimes as short as tens of microseconds to be successfully visualized. Our experimental results show that most sedimentary rocks have a single exponential transverse magnetization decay for T * 2 , which suggests that quantitative imaging of local fluid content can be easily obtained. Some examples of MRI techniques are represented that reveal internal sedimentary characteristics and heterogeneity. In addition, the application of quantitative MRI techniques to examine flow mechanisms in rock cores is outlined.

Centric scan SPRITE for spin density imaging of short relaxation time porous materials

The single-point ramped imaging with T1 enhancement (SPRITE) imaging technique has proven to be a very robust and flexible method for the study of a wide range of systems with short signal lifetimes. As a pure phase encoding technique, SPRITE is largely immune to image distortions generated by susceptibility variations, chemical shift and paramagnetic impurities. In addition, it avoids the line width restrictions on resolution common to time-based sampling, frequency encoding methods. The standard SPRITE technique is however a longitudinal steady-state imaging method; the image intensity is related to the longitudinal steady state, which not only decreases the signal-to-noise ratio, but also introduces many parameters into the image signal equation. A centric scan strategy for SPRITE removes the longitudinal steady state from the image intensity equation and increases the inherent image intensity. Two centric scan SPRITE methods, that is, Spiral-SPRITE and Conical-SPRITE, with fast acquisition and greatly reduced gradient duty cycle, are outlined. Multiple free induction decay (FID) points may be acquired during SPRITE sampling for signal averaging to increase signal-to-noise ratio or for T2* and spin density mapping without an increase in acquisition time. Experimental results show that most porous sedimentary rock and concrete samples have a single exponential T2* decay due to susceptibility difference-induced field distortion. Inhomogeneous broadening thus dominates, which suggests that spin density imaging can be easily obtained by SPRITE.

Single point imaging with suppressed sound pressure levels through gradient-shape adjustment

Acoustic noise produced during single point imaging (SPI) experiments was modulated by changes in the spatial encoding gradients. Parameters of both linear and sine-shaped gradient ramps were modified to minimize the acoustic noise levels. Acoustic noise measurements during SPI were measured on three different gradient systems and revealed that for small gradient-bore systems a considerable acoustic noise reduction of more than 20 dB can easily be achieved. SPI in conjunction with an optimized gradient waveform can be a superb alternative to the previously introduced single point ramped imaging with T 1 enhancement (SPRITE) method when sound levels and overheating of gradients are a concern.

Centric scan SPRITE magnetic resonance imaging: optimization of SNR, resolution, and relaxation time mapping

Two strategies for the optimization of centric scan SPRITE (single point ramped imaging with T 1 enhancement) magnetic resonance imaging techniques are presented. Point spread functions (PSF) for the centric scan SPRITE methodologies are numerically simulated, and the blurring manifested in a centric scan SPRITE image through PSF convolution is characterized. Optimal choices of imaging parameters and k-space sampling scheme are predicted to obtain maximum signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) while maintaining acceptable image resolution. The point spread function simulation predictions are verified experimentally. The acquisition of multiple FID points following each RF excitation is described and the use of the Chirp z-Transform algorithm for the scaling of field of view (FOV) of the reconstructed images is illustrated. Effective recombination of the rescaled images for SNR improvement and T 2 * mapping is demonstrated.

Centric scan SPRITE magnetic resonance imaging

Two rapid, pure phase encode, centric scan, Single Point Ramped Imaging with T 1-Enhancement (SPRITE) MRI methods are described. Each retains the benefits of the standard SPRITE method, most notably the ability to image short T 2 * systems, while increasing the sensitivity and generality of the technique. The Spiral-SPRITE method utilizes a modified Archimedean spiral k-space trajectory. The Conical-SPRITE method utilizes a system of spirals mapped to conical surfaces to sample the k-space cube. The sampled k-space points are naturally Cartesian grid points, eliminating the requirement of a re-gridding procedure prior to image reconstruction. The effects of transient state behaviour on image resolution and signal/noise are explored.

Moisture migration in starch molding operations as observed by magnetic resonance imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging was an effective means for visualizing moisture profiles during drying of starch molded confectionery, and clearly demonstrated the importance of moisture transfer between the confectionery gel and the molding starch. Rapid formation of a very dry “skin” was observed that resulted in case-hardening. Drying was effectively diffusion controlled after the first 30 min. Moisture profiles within the porous bed of molding starch, where total proton density is low and T 2* is short, were visualized using single point ramped imaging with T 1 enhancement (SPRITE). Similar images were not possible using more traditional spin-echo techniques. The long component of a bi-exponential T 1 was linearly related to the solids content, and T 1–null images were constructed to visualize iso-solids contour lines.

Spatial Investigation of the Non‐frozen Water Distribution in Frozen Foods using NMR SPRITE

ABSTRACT: Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) was used to investigate the spatial distribution of the non‐frozen water in foods during freezing and frozen storage. For samples such as beef, orange juice, and dough, their NMR responses were characterized and studied over temperature and during storage at subzero temperatures. The content of liquid‐like components, such as unfrozen water, was measured in the temperature range between 20 and ‐40 °C. Ice formation led to a significant decrease of the amount of liquid‐like components. This also was gradually diminished during storage, due to slow crystallization. Moreover, 1‐ and 2‐dimensional images of the proton distributions in the frozen samples were obtained by single point ramped imaging with T1 enhancement (SPRITE). The use of SPRITE to examine frozen foods allowed a spatial evaluation of liquid‐like spins during freezing and storage.

Magnetic resonance imaging of rigid polymers at elevated temperatures with SPRITE

Magnetic resonance imaging has rarely been applied to rigid polymeric materials, due primarily to the strong dipolar coupling and short signal lifetimes inherent in these materials. SPRITE (single point ramped imaging withT1 enhancement) (B. J. Balcom, R. P. MacGregor, S. D. Beyea, D. P. Green, R. L. Armstrong, T. W. Bremner: J. Magn. Reson. A123, 131–134, 1996) is particularly well suited to imaging solid materials. With SPRITE, the only requirement is thatT2* be long enough so that the signal can be phase-encoded. The minimum phase encoding time is limited by the maximum gradient strength available and by the instrument deadtime. At present this is usually tens of microseconds and will only improve with refinements in technology. We have used the SPRITE sequence in conjunction with raising the sample temperature to obtain images of rigid polymers that have largely frustrated conventional imaging methods. This approach provides a straightforward and reliable method for imaging a class of samples that, up until now, have been very difficult to image.