A resin-embedding device for rock samples

Abstract

This invention discloses a resin embedding device for rock samples, including a fume hood; a mold support platform located inside the fume hood, on which multiple cold embedding molds are spaced apart; and a robotic arm assembly integrated within the fume hood. The robotic arm assembly consists of a first robotic arm and a second robotic arm. The first robotic arm is used to add material into the corresponding cold embedding mold, and the second robotic arm is used to stir the cold embedding mold after the material has been added. The device also includes a control system that controls the operation of each mechanism. This resin embedding device enables automated resin embedding of rock samples, improving labor efficiency and reducing work hazards. It allows for rapid preparation of drilling cuttings samples from oil and gas exploration sites, and enables large-scale sample embedding 24 / 7.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of petroleum geological exploration technology, and in particular to a resin embedding device for rock samples. Background Technology

[0002] As exploration of unconventional oil and gas resources deepens, conventional geological research methods are largely insufficient to meet the needs of unconventional oil and gas exploration. This is primarily because conventional and unconventional oil and gas differ significantly from traditional petroleum geology in their geological characteristics, such as trap conditions, reservoir features, source-reservoir configuration, accumulation characteristics, seepage mechanisms, distribution, and aggregation. Unconventional oil and gas reservoirs commonly develop micro- and nano-porous systems; therefore, large-scale scientific research equipment such as field emission scanning electron microscopy, micro- and nano-CT, and focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy are playing an increasingly significant role in microscopic geological research.

[0003] Microscopic images acquired by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) can be divided into secondary electron imaging (SE) and backscattered electron imaging (BSE). The former observes the natural cross-section of rock samples, and sample preparation is relatively simple. In contrast, the latter observes the polished surface of the sample, and sample preparation is relatively complex. Moreover, the quality of sample preparation directly affects the acquisition of BSE images. Therefore, sample preparation, as a preliminary foundational task for SEM, is of paramount importance.

[0004] Currently, resin embedding of rock samples is done manually, requiring chemical reagents including resin (such as acrylic resin) and release agent. Both have a pungent odor and can irritate human skin and mucous membranes upon contact. Furthermore, when the two are mixed in a certain proportion, they produce toxic gases. Therefore, sample preparation personnel usually need to wear gas masks and goggles and complete the embedding of rock samples in a fume hood. This method is inefficient, and long-term exposure to such substances can harm the health of the workers.

[0005] Therefore, based on the above-mentioned technical problems, those skilled in the art urgently need to develop a resin embedding device for rock samples. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a resin embedding device for rock samples, which enables automated resin embedding of rock samples, improves labor efficiency and reduces occupational hazards.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0008] The present invention provides a resin embedding device for rock samples, the device comprising:

[0009] A fume hood, wherein the fume hood is a sealed space and is connected to the outside or a gas purification device via a ventilation assembly;

[0010] A mold support platform is located inside the fume hood, and multiple cold-fitting molds are spaced apart on the mold support platform; and

[0011] The robotic arm assembly integrated within the fume hood;

[0012] The robotic arm is divided into a first robotic arm and a second robotic arm. The first robotic arm is used to add materials into the corresponding cold mounting mold, and the second robotic arm is used to stir the cold mounting mold after the materials have been added.

[0013] The device further includes:

[0014] The control system controls the operation of each mechanism of the control device.

[0015] Furthermore, an exhaust port is provided on the upper part of the back of the fume hood;

[0016] The air extraction port is connected to an external exhaust fan via an air extraction pipe.

[0017] Furthermore, each cold-mounted mold integrated on the mold support platform is equipped with a vibration defoaming component;

[0018] The vibration defoaming component is located at the bottom of the corresponding cold inlay mold, and the vibration defoaming component drives the cold inlay mold to vibrate through multiple cylinders that extend and retract in sequence.

[0019] Furthermore, the mold support platform is machined with an installation groove at the mating position with the cold inlay mold, and four cylinders are evenly distributed along the circumference of the bottom of the installation groove, with the cylinder rods facing upwards.

[0020] The lower part of the cold inlay mold is embedded in the mounting groove, and the cylinder rod of the cylinder abuts against and supports the bottom surface of the cold inlay mold;

[0021] A limiting structure is provided between the cold inlay mold and the mounting groove. The limiting structure is used to prevent the cold inlay mold from detaching from the mold support platform due to the action of the vibration defoaming component.

[0022] Furthermore, the upper inner side of the mounting groove has two limiting rings protruding inward, and the lower outer side of the cold inlay mold has two limiting parts protruding outward, and the limiting parts can pass through the space between the two limiting rings. The cold inlay mold is rotated to drive the limiting parts to be located below the corresponding limiting rings.

[0023] The distance between the limiting part and the limiting ring is the extension and retraction stroke of the cylinder rod.

[0024] Furthermore, the first robotic arm is used to add two materials, namely resin and mold release agent;

[0025] The first robotic arm integrates two hoppers, namely a first hopper and a second hopper. The first hopper delivers resin through a first conveying pipe, and the second hopper delivers mold release agent through a second conveying pipe.

[0026] The first robotic arm's end effector includes a first robotic arm mounting plate, and a first feeding pipe and a second feeding pipe integrated on the upper and lower parts of the first robotic arm mounting plate. The first feeding pipe is connected to the first conveying pipe through a flange assembly, and the second feeding pipe is connected to the second conveying pipe through a flange assembly.

[0027] Furthermore, both the first and second feed pipes are configured as follows:

[0028] A straight pipe is provided at the torso of the first robotic arm, while a corrugated pipe is provided at the joint of the first robotic arm.

[0029] Adjacent straight pipes and corrugated pipes are connected to each other.

[0030] Furthermore, the end effector of the second robotic arm includes a second robotic arm mounting plate and a stirring motor integrated into the second robotic arm mounting plate, the output end of which has a stirring shaft;

[0031] The second robotic arm mounting plate integrates positioning and laser engraving components.

[0032] Furthermore, the positioning and laser engraving component includes:

[0033] An infrared emitter is mounted on the second robotic arm mounting plate and located near the stirring motor; and

[0034] A laser pointer is mounted on the second robotic arm mounting plate and is located on the other side of the stirring motor.

[0035] In the above technical solution, the resin embedding device for rock samples provided by the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0036] The resin embedding device of the present invention realizes automated resin embedding of rock samples, improves labor efficiency and reduces work hazards; it enables rapid preparation of drilling cuttings samples from oil and gas exploration sites, and can carry out large-scale sample embedding 24 hours a day.

[0037] The resin embedding device of the present invention has strong applicability and is suitable for both core and cuttings samples. It can make full use of first-hand underground geological samples obtained from oil and gas exploration drilling sites and broaden the sources of samples for electron microscopy observation.

[0038] The resin embedding device of the present invention enables precise and quantitative use of chemical reagents, and provides numerical constraints on the sample embedding process, thereby fixing the amount of chemical reagents used, ensuring uniform sample size after embedding, avoiding waste in the manual sample preparation process, and saving sample preparation costs. Attached Figure Description

[0039] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a resin embedding device for rock samples disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vibration defoaming component of a resin embedding device for rock samples disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 3 This is a top view of a vibration defoaming component of a resin embedding device for rock samples disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the feed pipe of the first robotic arm of a resin embedding device for rock samples disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first robotic arm and the first robotic arm mounting plate of a resin embedding device for rock samples disclosed in an embodiment of this application.

[0045] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second robotic arm and the second robotic arm mounting plate of a resin embedding device for rock samples disclosed in an embodiment of this application.

[0046] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0047] 1. Fume hood; 2. Mold support platform; 3. Cold inlay mold; 4. First robotic arm; 5. Second robotic arm; 6. Control system;

[0048] 101. Air extraction port;

[0049] 201. Mounting slot; 202. Cylinder; 203. Limit ring;

[0050] 301. Limiting part;

[0051] 401. First hopper; 402. Second hopper; 403. Straight pipe; 404. Corrugated pipe; 405. First conveying pipe; 406. Second conveying pipe; 407. First robotic arm mounting plate; 408. First feeding pipe; 409. Second feeding pipe;

[0052] 501. Second robotic arm mounting plate; 502. Stirring shaft; 503. Infrared transmitter; 504. Laser pointer. Detailed Implementation

[0053] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] See Figures 1 to 6 As shown;

[0055] This embodiment discloses a resin embedding device for rock samples, the device comprising:

[0056] Fume hood 1 is a closed space and is connected to the outside or gas purification equipment through ventilation components;

[0057] The mold support platform 2 is located inside the fume hood 1, and multiple cold-fitting molds 3 are spaced apart on the mold support platform 2; and

[0058] A robotic arm assembly integrated into fume hood 1;

[0059] The robotic arm group is divided into a first robotic arm 4 and a second robotic arm 5. The first robotic arm 4 is used to add materials into the corresponding cold mounting mold 3, and the second robotic arm 5 is used to stir the cold mounting mold 3 after the materials have been added.

[0060] The device also includes:

[0061] Control system 6 controls the operation of each mechanism of the control device.

[0062] Specifically, this embodiment discloses an automated device for resin embedding of rock samples. To reduce the hazards of toxic gases, the device utilizes a fume hood 1 to form a sealed space, and exhausts the gas inside the fume hood 1 using a ventilation system. The gas can be discharged directly or after passing through a purification system. The device integrates a first robotic arm 4 and a second robotic arm 5. The first robotic arm 4 is used for material addition, primarily adding two materials to the cold embedding mold 3. The second robotic arm 5, after adding the materials to the cold embedding mold 3, stirs and mixes the two materials. Simultaneously, stirring generates bubbles. This embodiment integrates a vibration defoaming component at the bottom of the cold embedding mold 3 to eliminate the bubbles generated after stirring, improving product quality. This embodiment's device has a high degree of automation, enabling automated filling, stirring, and molding, eliminating safety issues associated with manual operation, and achieving high automation precision and good product quality.

[0063] Preferably, in this embodiment, an exhaust port 101 is provided on the upper part of the back of the fume hood 1; the exhaust port 101 is connected to an external exhaust fan through an exhaust pipe.

[0064] Preferably, each cold inlay mold 3 integrated on the mold support platform 2 in this embodiment is equipped with a vibration defoaming component; the vibration defoaming component is located at the bottom of the corresponding cold inlay mold 3, and the vibration defoaming component drives the cold inlay mold 3 to vibrate through a plurality of cylinders 202 that extend and retract in sequence.

[0065] In this embodiment, the mold support platform 2 and the cold inlay mold 3 are fitted with an installation groove 201, and four cylinders 202 are evenly distributed along the circumference of the bottom of the installation groove 201, with the cylinder rods of the cylinders 202 facing upwards.

[0066] The lower part of the cold inlay mold 3 is embedded in the mounting groove 201, and the cylinder rod of the cylinder 202 abuts against and supports the bottom surface of the cold inlay mold 3.

[0067] A limiting structure is provided between the cold inlay mold 3 and the mounting groove 201. The limiting structure is used to prevent the cold inlay mold 3 from being removed from the mold support platform 2 due to the action of the vibration defoaming component.

[0068] In addition, in this embodiment, two limiting rings 203 protrude inward from the inner side of the upper end of the mounting groove 201, and two limiting parts 301 protrude outward from the outer side of the lower end of the cold inlay mold 3. The limiting parts 301 can pass through the space between the two limiting rings 203. The cold inlay mold 3 is rotated to drive the limiting parts 301 to be located below the corresponding limiting rings 203.

[0069] The distance between the limiting part 301 and the limiting ring 203 is the extension and retraction stroke of the cylinder rod of the cylinder 202.

[0070] First, this embodiment further defines the structure and working principle of the vibration defoaming component. It is mainly integrated on the mold support platform 2 and specifically located at the lower part of each cold inlay mold 3. This embodiment only uses a structure that can realize the vibration of the cold inlay mold 3 for further explanation and description. However, other similar vibrators can still be replaced with the vibration form of the cylinder 202 of this application. Only the connection structure between the vibrator and the mold support platform 2 needs to be changed.

[0071] Specifically, the vibration defoaming component of this embodiment includes four cylinders 202. The cylinder body of each cylinder 202 is embedded and fixed at the bottom of the mounting groove 201 of the mold support platform 2. The cylinder rod of each cylinder 202 extends upward and connects to the bottom of the corresponding cold-mounting mold 3. In this embodiment, the four cylinders 202 extend sequentially to vibrate the cold-mounting mold 3. Increasing the extension and retraction frequency of the cylinders 202 can achieve the vibration frequency required for production, thereby eliminating air bubbles.

[0072] To prevent the cold-mounting mold 3 from coming off while vibrating, a limiting ring 203 and a limiting part 301 are provided between the cold-mounting mold 3 and the mounting groove 201 in this embodiment. The limiting ring 203 and the limiting part 301 can achieve a snap-fit ​​installation between the two, and the limiting effect of the limiting ring 203 and the limiting part 301 can also be used to control the movement stroke of the cold-mounting mold 3.

[0073] First, it should be noted that the robotic arms in this embodiment can all be technologically mature robotic arms from the prior art. Therefore, the structure of the robotic arm is not the subject of protection in this application. The main subject of protection in this application is the integration of the following functions based on the structure of existing robotic arms.

[0074] Preferably, in this embodiment, the first robotic arm 4 is used to add two materials, namely resin and mold release agent;

[0075] The first robotic arm 4 integrates two hoppers, namely the first hopper 401 and the second hopper 402. The first hopper 401 conveys resin through the first conveying pipe 405, and the second hopper 403 conveys mold release agent through the second conveying pipe 406.

[0076] The execution end of the first robotic arm 4 includes a first robotic arm mounting plate 407, and a first feeding pipe 408 and a second feeding pipe 409 integrated in the upper and lower parts of the first robotic arm mounting plate 407. The first feeding pipe 408 is connected to the first conveying pipe 405 through a flange assembly, and the second feeding pipe 409 is connected to the second conveying pipe 406 through a flange assembly.

[0077] In this embodiment, based on the structural features of the robotic arm in the prior art, the first conveying pipe 405 and the second conveying pipe 406 are both configured such that a straight pipe 403 is provided at the position of the torso of the first robotic arm 4, and a corrugated pipe 404 is provided at the position of the joint of the first robotic arm 4; the adjacent straight pipes 403 and corrugated pipes 404 are connected to each other.

[0078] First, this embodiment further defines the structure and method of material feeding based on the first robotic arm 4. The first robotic arm 4 can be a conventional robotic arm, consisting of a torso and joints. In this embodiment, the first robotic arm 4 is mainly used to transport two materials: resin and mold release agent. Therefore, two hoppers are provided, which respectively transport resin and mold release agent into the first conveying pipe 405 and the second conveying pipe 406. The two materials are then fed into the corresponding cold-mounting mold 3 through the two feeding pipes of the first robotic arm mounting plate 407 at the end of the first robotic arm 4. Therefore, during the design, it is necessary to ensure that the cross-sectional dimension of the first robotic arm mounting plate 407 is smaller than the opening size of the cold-mounting mold 3 to ensure that the first robotic arm 4 can feed materials into the cold-mounting mold 3 through the two feeding pipes at its end.

[0079] The straight pipe 403 and the corrugated pipe 404 are matched with the body and joints of the robotic arm to ensure that the material conveying is not affected when the robotic arm bends.

[0080] Secondly, the execution end of the second robotic arm 5 in this embodiment includes a second robotic arm mounting plate 501 and a stirring motor integrated in the second robotic arm mounting plate 501. The output end of the stirring motor has a stirring shaft 502. The second robotic arm mounting plate 501 is integrated with positioning and laser engraving components.

[0081] More preferably, the positioning and laser engraving assembly of this embodiment includes an infrared emitter 503 disposed on the second robotic arm mounting plate 501 and near the stirring motor; and a laser pointer 504 disposed on the second robotic arm mounting plate 501 and near the stirring motor.

[0082] The second robotic arm 5 primarily stirs and mixes the materials within the cold-mounting mold 3, and then performs laser engraving using a laser pointer 504 after molding. Simultaneously, considering positioning issues, the second robotic arm mounting plate 501 in this embodiment also integrates an infrared emitter 503, which is used to position the cold-mounting mold 3 and the end effector of the second robotic arm 5.

[0083] During operation, the sample preparation process of the device in this embodiment mainly includes rock sample information entry, rock sample loading and unloading, chemical injection, stirring, and laser engraving.

[0084] Specifically:

[0085] S1. Sample information entry;

[0086] Open the automated sample preparation software in the computer connected to the device, complete the information entry for this batch of samples, and realize the input and correspondence of rock sample number and depth.

[0087] S2, Sample loading;

[0088] Based on the information entered in the first step, place the rock samples one by one into the cold mounting mold;

[0089] S3. Chemical reagent injection, stirring, and defoaming;

[0090] After the sample is loaded onto the outer wall and confirmed to be correct, the automated sample preparation software is run. The computer randomly issues instructions, and the robotic arms begin to work. The first robotic arm 4 begins to inject resin powder into the cold-mounted mold 3 in fixed amounts from left to right. After the resin filling of the rightmost mold is completed, the release agent is randomly injected. After the injection is completed, the first robotic arm 4 begins to move from right to left to the top of the second mold to wait. At the same time, the second robotic arm 5 extends the stirring shaft 502 into the rightmost mold and begins to mix and stir the rock sample, resin and release agent in a figure-eight pattern. At the same time, the vibration defoaming device inside the mold support platform 2 at the bottom of the mold cup begins to vibrate the mold. The vibration frequency is set to eliminate air bubbles in the mixture. Then the stirring shaft is moved out, and the resin is allowed to cool and solidify. At the same time as the stirring shaft 502 of the second robotic arm 5 moves out, the first robotic arm 4 begins to inject the release agent into the second to last mold. After filling the outer wall, the above process of stirring, vibration, defoaming and cooling solidification is repeated.

[0091] S4, laser engraving;

[0092] After the resin has cured and cooled, the laser pointer 504 on the second robotic arm 5 will laser engrave each sample on the surface of the resin block in the mold according to the sample information preset in the program, giving the sample independent information.

[0093] Based on the apparatus of this application, the automated resin embedding of rock samples is completed through the above steps.

[0094] In the above technical solution, the resin embedding device for rock samples provided by the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0095] The resin embedding device of the present invention realizes automated resin embedding of rock samples, improves labor efficiency and reduces work hazards; it enables rapid preparation of drilling cuttings samples from oil and gas exploration sites, and can carry out large-scale sample embedding 24 hours a day.

[0096] The resin embedding device of the present invention has strong applicability and is suitable for both core and cuttings samples. It can make full use of first-hand underground geological samples obtained from oil and gas exploration drilling sites and broaden the sources of samples for electron microscopy observation.

[0097] The resin embedding device of the present invention enables precise and quantitative use of chemical reagents, and provides numerical constraints on the sample embedding process, thereby fixing the amount of chemical reagents used, ensuring uniform sample size after embedding, avoiding waste in the manual sample preparation process, and saving sample preparation costs.

[0098] The foregoing has only described certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention by way of illustration. Undoubtedly, those skilled in the art can modify the described embodiments in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing drawings and descriptions are illustrative in nature and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A resin embedding device for rock samples, characterized in that, The device includes: Fume hood (1), wherein the fume hood (1) is a closed space and the fume hood (1) is connected to the outside or gas purification equipment through a ventilation component; A mold support platform (2) located inside the fume hood (1), on which a plurality of cold-fitting molds (3) are spaced apart; and A robotic arm assembly integrated within the fume hood (1); The robotic arm is divided into a first robotic arm (4) and a second robotic arm (5). The first robotic arm (4) is used to add materials into the corresponding cold inlay mold (3), and the second robotic arm (5) is used to stir the cold inlay mold (3) after the materials have been added. The device further includes: The control system (6) controls the operation of each mechanism of the device.

2. The resin embedding device for rock samples according to claim 1, characterized in that, An exhaust port (101) is provided on the upper part of the back of the fume hood (1); The air extraction port (101) is connected to an external exhaust fan via an air extraction pipe.

3. The resin embedding device for rock samples according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each cold-mounted mold (3) integrated on the mold support platform (2) is equipped with a vibration defoaming component; The vibration defoaming component is located at the bottom of the corresponding cold inlay mold (3), and the vibration defoaming component drives the cold inlay mold (3) to vibrate through a plurality of cylinders (202) that extend and retract in sequence.

4. The resin embedding device for rock samples according to claim 3, characterized in that, The mold support platform (2) and the cold inlay mold (3) are fitted with an installation groove (201), and four cylinders (202) are evenly distributed along the circumference of the bottom of the installation groove (201), with the cylinder rods of the cylinders (202) facing upwards. The lower part of the cold inlay mold (3) is embedded in the mounting groove (201), and the cylinder rod of the cylinder (202) abuts against and supports the bottom surface of the cold inlay mold (3); A limiting structure is provided between the cold inlay mold (3) and the mounting groove (201). The limiting structure is used to prevent the cold inlay mold (3) from detaching from the mold support platform (2) due to the action of the vibration defoaming component.

5. The resin embedding device for rock samples according to claim 4, characterized in that, The upper inner side of the mounting groove (201) has two limiting rings (203) protruding inward, and the lower outer side of the cold inlay mold (3) has two limiting parts (301) protruding outward. The limiting parts (301) can pass through the space between the two limiting rings (203). The cold inlay mold (3) is rotated to drive the limiting parts (301) to be located below the corresponding limiting rings (203). The distance between the limiting part (301) and the limiting ring (203) is the extension and retraction stroke of the cylinder rod of the cylinder (202).

6. The resin embedding device for rock samples according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first robotic arm (4) is used to add two materials, namely resin and mold release agent; The first robotic arm (4) integrates two hoppers, namely the first hopper (401) and the second hopper (402). The first hopper (401) conveys resin through the first conveying pipe (405), and the second hopper (402) conveys mold release agent through the second conveying pipe (406). The execution end of the first robotic arm (4) includes a first robotic arm mounting plate (407), and a first feeding pipe (408) and a second feeding pipe (409) integrated on the upper and lower parts of the first robotic arm mounting plate (407). The first feeding pipe (408) is connected to the first conveying pipe (405) through a flange assembly, and the second feeding pipe (409) is connected to the second conveying pipe (406) through a flange assembly.

7. The resin embedding device for rock samples according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first feed pipe (405) and the second feed pipe (406) are both configured as follows: A straight pipe (403) is provided at the position of the torso of the first robotic arm (4), and a bellows pipe (404) is provided at the position of the joint of the first robotic arm (4); Adjacent straight pipes (403) and corrugated pipes (404) are connected to each other.

8. A resin embedding device for rock samples according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that, The execution end of the second robotic arm (5) includes a second robotic arm mounting plate (501) and a stirring motor integrated into the second robotic arm mounting plate (501), the output end of which has a stirring shaft (502); The second robotic arm mounting plate (501) integrates positioning and laser engraving components.

9. A resin embedding device for rock samples according to claim 8, characterized in that, The positioning and laser engraving components include: An infrared emitter (503) is disposed on the second robotic arm mounting plate (501) and near the stirring motor; and A laser pointer (504) is mounted on the second robotic arm mounting plate (501) and located on the other side of the stirring motor.

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