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Versions and modifications

Changelog

Click here to jump to details of version 6.00 and the latest version.

 

Early versions of Pore-Cor

A non-graphics version was installed at the Tulsa Technology Center of Amoco in September 1995. A pre-release demonstration version D1.00, February 1997 was shipped to Micromeritics, Atlanta in February 1997. Version D1.01 was upgraded from version D1.00 by the inclusion of a two level Help system - i.e. brief for specific windows, from which lengthier discussions can be called up. It was tested at four sites between March and October 1997.
Relative to Version 1.00:
Version 1.01 has improved handling of fragmented networks and medium porosity samples.
Version 1.02 (March 1998) has a fix to ensure that the polymer pore plug algorithm communicates correctly with the permeability algorithm. A 'clear cell' output option has been added, and a user preference form.
Version 1.20 (July 1998) has facilities to monitor the positions of non-wetting fluids, polymer and colloids within the graphics, alter graphics colours and background, and to plot more than one unit cell. The number of small datafiles has been greatly reduced, in preference for additional communication with the Fortran 90 algorithms, and use of the Windows Registry.
Version 1.30 (October 1998) has a vastly improved Wizard, automatic datafile recognition for Autopore II files, automatic datafile manicure, greatly enhanced general help which can be tuned by use of a preferences menu, improved crash resistance, command button and approximation framework icons, and has been very extensively tested for bugs and ease of use. It also has CD autoload.

Pore-Cor Research Suite Versions 4.00 and higher

Pore-Cor Research Suite (beta release May 2002, full release Spring 2003) , Version 4.00, includes the following new features:

  • Parameters found using a Boltzmann-Annealed Simplex (instead of the Wizard which has been pensioned off).
  • The modelling is much more robust, for example it can now model sparse data which is not in the form of an S-shaped curve.
  • Many more structure types are available, as well as conical throats and anisotropic structures.
  • The entire Pore-Cor program interacts with a comprehensive data archive for storing and recalling modelling sessions, and any archive can be dumped to a MicroSoft Excel file.
  • The two-parameter grid method has been transformed into a four-parameter sensitivity analysis.
  • The user can now study dynamic wetting, either allowing or disallowing the inertia of the fluid.
  • Graphics of the unit cells are now presented in a virtual reality environment which the user can explore.

    .

  • Two other programs have been integrated with Pore-Cor.
    • Pore-Ped allows generation of water-retention curves for UK soils , via a pedo-transfer function, and for U.S. soils via the UNSODA database.
    • Pore-Comp allows the user to compensate for expansion and contraction effects during mercury porosimetry, and to calculate the solid phase bulk modulus of the sample.
    Higher versions include numerous fixes and modifications arising from testing by other users. The main additional features of each release, cumulatively included, are as follows:

    Version 4.01 (end May 2002)

  • An updated splash screen ('About Pore-Cor Research Suite').
  • A Terms and Conditions form giving the expiry date of demonstration copies.
  • Problem-specific error messages on loading.

    Version 4.02 (June 2002)

  • Modifications arising from trials at Micromeritics Atlanta:
  • Debugged drop-down menus which behave more in standard Windows API style.
  • CTRL+E view and edit facility for current topical file.
  • Additional Help entries explaining queries raised by testers.
  • A changing pointer on the opening screen.
  • Improved graph plotting facilities from drop-down menus.

    Version 4.04 (June 2002)

  • Facility for user to input own water retention curves in Pore-Ped.

    Version 4.05 (June 2002)

  • Facility to choose sample type before opening the Browse button in Master Data Input.
  • Choice of permeability units.

    Version 4.06 (July 2002)

  • Facility to choose interfacial tension units.
  • Facility to change interfacial tension and contact angle of water in Pore-Ped.

    Version 4.10 (January 2003)
    Around 100 other modifications arising from tests at laboratories in Madrid, Sweden, Switzerland and U.K. including:

  • Pore-Comp modifications to improve usability, e.g.
  • Digital as well as analogue (mouse-controlled) trim function
  • Micromeritics as well as Pore-Cor nomenclature for input parameters
  • Dynamic Help and control labeling
  • Grid optimisation limits adjustment (to avoid invalid parameter values) made more robust

    Version 4.11 (January 2003)

  • Debugging of Pore-Comp pressure options, and communication between Pore-Comp and Pore-Cor.
  • Addition of 'Check parameters' button to Pore-Cor grid optimisation to improve usability.
  • Installation of super-user mode logger to intercept chatter between languages and datafiles, and so track bugs such as
  • Correction of subtle differences in the convergence of different types of structure to correlation = 0 in different parts of the program.
  • On quitting overall colour scheme window by hitting Cancel, now reloads previous colours from registry.
  • Further detection of datafile problems, including read-only and slightly incorrect format showing up as zero minimum or maximum diameters.

    Version 4.16 (June 2003)

  • Inclusion of Formation Damage calculator in Permeability window
  • Further trapping of invalid user parameter entries in e.g. Polymer pore plug and Grid optimisation
  • Correction of jumbled memory from Archive of fluid details in Wetting window
  • Other minor debugs

    Version 4.17 (July 2003)

  • No longer crashes if user tries to save data or database to a file which the user has deleted or renamed.
  • In Pore-Ped, button 'Convert User Data to Pore-Cor Format' now always enabled when 'Input user defined values' button clicked.
  • Memory of position of 'Water retention input by user' instructions window. This window now closes on quitting Soil Phase Diagram window.
  • Hysteresis algorithm will no longer try unsuccessfully to work with wetting liquids - now gives warning and quits.

    Version 4.18 (July 2003)

  • User no longer needs to close 3d surface window spawned from Grid Optimisation between successive drawings of surface.
  • Correction of prompt message to delete comma in illegal sample name.

    Version 4.19 (September 2003)
  • Now responds correctly to negative PageFile reported by RM machines with very large amounts of spare disk and RAM space, which caused incorrect user warning prior to use of VRML graphics.
  • Correction of viewpoint titles in VRML header files.
  • Copy protection updated so that it no longer gives an error for computers docked into a Novell network.
  • Message response (rather than silence) when user enters wrong registration code during manual registration.
  • New command in data archiver to write summary of displayed data to text file.

    Version 4.20 (December 2003)
    Operating system
  • Various operating system libraries updated to improve compatibility with .NET .
  • Now includes option of purchasing Pore-Eye and Pore-Cor only (as well as many other combinations).
  • Opening screen (MDIForm) now does not take snapshots of background, which sometimes gave confusing second images of control windows.
  • Occasionally GLView hangs on computers operating very recent operating systems, because of an OpenGL incompatibility. Therefore GLView version replaced with one that uses DirectX.
  • Manual registration form re-designed and re-worded to reduce confusion for users for whom English is not first language.

    Pore-Cor
  • Master data input Calculate button now gives prompt if no datafile present, rather than being disabled.
  • If user enters different porosity into Master data Input screen with no datafile present, error message suppressed. Better logic for error message under other circumstances.
  • Three-contact-point particle size algorithm made available to super-users.
  • Query message re 'Load all non-grid optimisation results into Master Data Input form?' changed to 'Load all optimisation ....'.
     
    Pore-Ped
  • On exiting Pore-Ped, UNSODA search screen now closes.
  • Much more robust and stringent checking of user data.
  • Removal of possibility of generating filenames ending .CSV.CSV .
     
    Pore-Comp
  • Incompatibility with output file name from Pore-Comp to Pore-Cor input due to included comma rectified.
  • Check on corrected data output to Pore-Cor - query if intrusion goes through maximum below maximum pressure.
  • User may now input exponents in manual bulk modulus textbox.
  • More stringent Pore-Comp output file name check, to ensure the Pore-Cor recognizes the file type correctly.
  • Re-inclusion of missing example files for Pore-Comp tutorial.
     
    Version 5.02 (November 2004)
    Operating system etc
  • Fast installer.
  • Automated loading and retrieval of software token onto floppy disc.
  • Electronic brochure version demonstrates example files.
  • Rapid version allows quick and easy modelling with one structure type.
  • Rapid Plus version allows users to purchase only those modules they require.
  • Main preferences now in a separate Options drop-down menu from Help preferences.
  • De-registering if there is a Security Concern.
     
    Pore-Cor
  • Rapid version - example files including parameters such as anisotropy.
  • Rapid and Rapid Plus versions - automatically translate Thermo Electron (Carlo Erba) data files.
  • Change preferences windows to set Preferred Level, switch Automatic Simplex and Auto Starting Grids, and revert to user Guide.
  • File manicuring made iterative to carry out several different modifications.
  • File manicure now reduces datafiles with an unnecessarily high number of data points.
  • Automated Simplex automatically generates starting grid, and learns from previous modelling via the Grid optimisation, and if new starting grids are saved into the Starting Grids directory.
  • Three-contact-point particle size algorithm made available to users. Particles now viewable in Pore-Eye.
  • No longer necessary to load an experimental data file - can use trial geometries on their own. Graph labeling adapted accordingly.
  • Improved labeling in partial fill window for anisotropic structures.
  • Distance display locked in mercury intrusion / water retention output window (to avoid cheating in competitions !).
  • Less likelihood of closing input screens by accident.
  • Message box to explain that tortuosity does not yet respond to polymer pore plugging or colloidal inclusion.
  • Advert windows to explain un-paid-for options in Rapid Plus, giving cross-references to Help tutorials and further information.
     
    Pore-Ped
  • Electronic Brochure version gives two trial structures.
     
    Pore-Comp
  • Electronic Brochure version gives examples for Thermo Electron and Micromeritics datafiles.
  • Rapid and Rapid-Plus versions automatically translate Thermo Electron (Carlo Erba) data files, with no blank correction.
     
    Pore-Eye
  • Centre of unit cell viewpoint adjust for anisotropic samples.
  • Displays colour scheme window when showing virtual reality structure.

    •  

    Version 5.10 (January 2005)
    Operating system etc

  • Revised conditions for acceptance before loading program.
  • Uninstaller kills process via DOS screen before commencing uninstall, so as not to lose token.
  • Security Concern message made more verbose , and last-chance facility incorporated.
  • Log file name changed to Pore-Cor_RS_log.csv to make it immediately readable in Excel.

    •  
    Pore-Cor
  • Ability to read Quantachrome format datafiles into Pore-Cor.
  • More robust handling of user- and datafile-input values of contact angle and interfacial tension.
  • Intelligent memory of datafile type from previous run.
  • Disabling of check box to exit from Electronic Brochure mode when locked into this mode, which caused crash because unauthorized.
  • Generally improved stability and format tolerance for datafile input.
  • Top acceptable limit of intrusion set at 99.5% or 99.6 % to make iterations through Manicure compatible.
  • Other iterative Manicure operations made more reliable.
  • No-datafile option debugged.
  • Several error messages made more informative - e.g. hgporexp.csv already open, and Fortran and other dll problems.
  • Particle size algorithm for anisotropic samples does not work in itself and also causes errors in isotropic samples, so switched off for anisotropic samples except for superusers.

    •  
    Pore-Comp
    Ability to read Quantachrome format datafiles into Pore-Comp.

     

    Version 6 (launch and testing November 2006 to May 2007, distribution from June 2007)

    Operating system
     
  • Abolition of use of floppy disc to provide protection. Electronic Brochure and full versions now require USB dongle and registration via this website. (Electronic Brochure copies free of charge if dongle is returned within 2 months, otherwise user charged 30 GBP for dongle.)

  • Comprehensive dongle error reporting to user.
  • Improved handling of directories:
    • complete separation of program system directories from user directories
    • registry memory of Examples and User directories
    • user directory default set as My Documents directory (or non-English equivalent)
    • forbidding of saving of data into program directory
    • startup files installed into Application All Users directory
    • generation of example archive in My Documents directory on start-up.
    Pore-Comp

  • Default maximum bulk modulus raised to 500 GPa to allow for study of metal sinters and other high bulk modulus materials.
  • In Micromeritics mode, input of sample data file now correctly causes display of sample details.

    Pore-Cor

    Note that features shown in italics will be made available after the related important scientific advances have been published in the academic literature.
  • Ability to modify the unitcell.csv geometry file manually, and then re-input, so as to make subtle changes to geometry to model effects such as particle capture.
  • Fitting of log/Normal (Gaussian or bell-shaped) type functions using an 8-dimensional, rather than 7-dimensional, Simplex, including the new variable 'throat spread' - i.e. the spread of sizes of the throat size distribution.
  • New control to stop Simplex during its calculation, to view interim result and/or suspend fitting attempt.
  • Additional dimension (throat spread) added to Grid Optimisation.
  • Explicit learning function in Simplex and Grid optimisation, in the form of a line of newly generated starting grids written to the My Documents directory.
  • Ability to visualise and track fluid flows implicit within the Dinic permeability calculation.
  • Depth filtration simulator, with capture efficiency and blockages calculation, for real pass-test particle size distributions.
  • Diffusion simulator.
  • Improved automatic choice of graph axes for porosimetry, and for pore and throat size distribution graphs.
  • Partial fill of unit cell with non-wetting fluid now adjustable by volume percentage as well as by throat size.
  • Secondary x-axis on porosimetry and water retention graphs showing applied mercury pressure or tension, with choice of pressure units.
  • Histogram of size distribution of simulated microtomed fragments, with choice of discrete or cumulative plot, with linear or log size axis.
  • Choice of saving particle size distribution data and microtomed data either as raw data or histogram data.
  • Explicit labeling of pore clusters in pore(-cluster) and throat size distribution graphs, and in Pore-Eye.
  • Choice of standard default, high-contrast default and individually tailored colour schemes.
  • Movable position and size of graph showing interim Simplex results.
  • Void-void auto-correlation function at quasi-infinite resolution.

    • Pore-Eye

  • Calculation of complexity of visualisation, to allow maximum complexity to be chosen for user's computer, to prevent computer hanging while graphics processing .
  • Colour key more precise on main form, and on separate colour key window more responsive to options.
  • When called from opening screen, reads and displays unitcell.csv files for wetted structures as well as percolated structures.

     

    Version 6.01 (early June 2007)

    Operating system and overall
     
  • Several Thermo Electron data files have wrong units (cc/g rather than mm3/g) even though data itself is correct. So substitute example files provided. (#6.00.005)
  • Help | About drop-down menu now gives correct operating systems (XP and Vista). (#6.00.006)
  • Switchoffable warning message that Pore-Cor RS is running in debug mode. (#6.00.010)

    Pore-Comp
     
  • Graph title corrected to give correct sample name, rather than sample description details. Also gives correct output to Pore-Cor. (#6.00.011)
  • If Pore-Comp cannot calculate compressibility, it also cannot calculate porosity. Now correct handing of this problem for export to Pore-Cor. (#6.00.012)

    • Pore-Cor

  • Sample name shown in header of more output graphs. (#6.00.001)
  • Cancel Simplex command modified to give more orderly (and slower) exit to Simplex which does not then wreck subsequent calculations. (#6.00.002)
  • Error message stating 'In this datafile, throat diameter .... is greater... ' now gives better instructions about editing and saving the file. (#6.00.003)
  • Switchoffable message to remind users if Datafile Manicure system is switched off. Also extra switchoffable message before manicure messages to tell users they can switch off the manicure system. (#6.00.007)
  • Error handler position moved from early to normal position in code of Master Data input Calculate command. (#6.00.008)
  • For pore and throat size distribution and mercury intrusion / water retention graphs, using Chart drop Manual axis and then Quit gave error. Now exits cleanly. (#6.00.009)
  • Valid range of throat skew for unimodal samples increased from +-25 to +-36 to allow modelling of bare fallow soil. (#6.00.013)

    Pore-Ped

  • Bug corrected which gave error message if 12 of users own points were entered. (#6.00.004)

     

    Version 6.02

    Operating system and overall
     
  • Automatic knowledge of whether an upgrade is available. Reminder message to user giving chief characteristics of upgrade. (#6.01.022)

    Pore-Comp
     
  • Better memory and control of number of points used for pressure correction, including warning if the number is small and much less than the total number of points. (#6.01.019)
  • After user decides to 'Enter User Defined Bulk Modulus', the 'Allow Pore-Comp to calculate...' command is disabled. (#6.01.020)
  • Sample name included in header of data review screen. ( #6.00.001, #6.01.021)

    • Pore-Cor
     
  • If Simplex form Cancel control is clicked during operation of Simplex, Simplex now stops cleanly. (#6.01.014)
  • Simplex no longer often defaults to showing user a choice of starting grids to choose from, since this option is now rarely used because the Auto option is available. (#6.01.016)
  • Stop Simplex button disappears if user agrees to stop the Simplex in response to a message from the Simplex. (#6.01.017)
  • If Simplex best fit has high throat spread but Simplex was set to unimodal only, now suggests to user that user tries Unimodal and Bimodal option. (#6.01.018)
  • Switchoffable warnings about manicure being switched on or off now operate correctly. (#6.01.015)
  • Sample name included in headers of permeability and tortuosity output screens. ( #6.00.001, #6.01.021)

    •  

    Version 6.11

    Operating system and overall
     
    • Ability to run a suite of networked programs from a single dongle. (#6.01.022)
    • Warning of 'Not enough RAM to run Pore-Cor' switched off for Windows Vista. (#6.02.023)

      Pore-Comp
       
    • Can now be run when Pore-Cor is operating in Rapid mode. (#6.02.033)

      Pore-Cor
       
    • Correction to number of throats generated for given connectivity by Euler beta function. Unfortunately this will alter the connectivity value for a given fit by up to 10% for strongly bimodal samples, and may also alter other fitting parameters as well because the geometric parameters are not orthogonal (independent). (#6.02.029)
    • Open or Save new data archive mistakenly used file extension *.st6 (which is reserved for Simplex starting grids) rather than *.sl6 (which is used for archives). Now saves and searches for *.sl6. Note that if you have saved an archive on a previous version, you may need to change its file extension manually from .st6 to .sl6 . (#6.02.027)
    • Wetting command is now switched back on if partial wetting is cancelled before data is checked. (#6.02.025)
    • Particle size distribution: top option (Actual volume...) now changes x-axis label from size to volume.(#6.02.024)
    • Thermo files now accepted with up to 2000 data points, but Manicure insists on reducing the number (i.e. option to ignore this warning is switched off). (#6.02.026)
    • Message that Manicure is switchoffable only appears for Advanced non-Thermo users. (#6.02.029)
    • Formation damage and save perm to data archive commands switched off on perm output form if using flow tracking option (#6.02.030)
    • Geometric values only, without a datafile, can now be stored in the archive and re-loaded into Master Data input without generating a 'Load valid datafile' error message (#6.02.031)
    • New manual calculations from the Master Data input, for example investigating the effect of changed connectivity with otherwise identical parameters, now close previous output-option property calculation windows to prevent confusion. (#6.02.032)

    Version 6.31 (9 June 2008) (upgrade via download )

    Note - if upgrading from a version below 6.1, please read the section about version 6.11.

    Operating system and overall

    • Splash screen on launch, showing progress of start-up operations.
    • Overall colour scheme - choice of colour schemes for graphs and histograms.
    • Directory information shown in Help drop-down menu on opening screen.
    • Various permission issues with Windows Vista, mainly associated with Pore-Cor launching the relevant Help pages, eliminated or trapped.
    • Help dropdown menu in opening screen simplified, and coupled to new, more powerful Help file format.

    Pore-Cor
    • Diffusion algorithm - see Laudone et al 2008 (for Vista , must be run in Administrator mode).
    • Filtration algorithm - details submitted for publication.
    • Archive will now remember geometric structures without and experimental datafile.
    • Archive filename better displayed in Master Data Input screen.
    • Defaults for Rapid version - pore-skew suppression increased from 0 to 1.5, Simplex iterations increased (because Stop Simplex control is now available) and unimodal option changed to default uni + bi-modal option.
    • Bug in Simplex learning system corrected.


    Version 6.35 (not yet released)

    Pore-Comp

    • Graph background , label and axes colours adjustable.

    Pore-Cor Research Suite Help

    Authors: Paul Bodurtha, Anthony Johnson, Giuliano Laudone, Alexander Matthews, Peter Matthews, Cathy Ridgway and Ian Roy.

    Editor: Peter Matthews

    Version 1.30 (January 1998)
    Improved cross-referencing for dual porosity and bimodal distributions. It also includes the format of the Micromeritics .rpt file.

    Version 1.31 (February 1998)
    Information about soil, water retention, and printing out the unit cell.

    Version 1.32 (April 1998)
    Improved format of Contents page. Extra info about anomalous fits and how to spot them using the 3D optimisation surface.

    Version 4.06 (Spring 2002)
    Writing and testing of tutorials on Pore-Cor RS2 , including use of the Simplex, Pore-Comp and Pore-Ped. Complete revision of remaining text to reflect major new advances in the software.

    Version 4.10 (January 2003)
    Revised to reflect new Pore-Comp revisions.

    Version 4.11 (January 2003)
    Advanced Pore-Comp and Pore-Cor tutorials revised to reflect modifications listed above.

    Version 4.16 (June 2003)
    Inclusion of tutorial and details of Formation Damage calculation.

    Version 4.19 (September 2003)
    Diagrams of archiver screen in tutorial 1 sections 3 and 6 modified to show new Write summary to text file button.

    Version 4.20 (January 2004)
    Includes better description of how to deal with stepped intrusion curves which imply a bimodal void size distribution.
    Completely updated and checked for typographical and other errors.

    Version 5.02 (November 2004)
    Many new pages describing 5.02 facilities listed above.
    Numerous user-type and version-sensitive Starting Out screens for Pore-Cor, Pore-Comp and Pore-Eye.
    Experimental advice on obtaining accurate intrusion curves.

    Version 5.10 (January 2005)
    Several new pages describing Quantachrome datafile recognition.
    No-datafile option explained.

    Version 5.11 (February 2005)
    Includes bitmaps in Pore-Ped tutorial missing from version 5.10.

    Version 6.00 (June 2007)
    Full revision to include the new features of version 6.00.     (A stand-alone version can be downloaded .)

     
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