Capillary Pressure Measurement Centrifuge Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional centrifuges for determining capillary pressure in porous media formations are limited by the need for manual adjustment of strobe lights, frequent strobe failures, and the inability to accommodate samples of varying sizes and configurations simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a position sensor that automates the image capture process by detecting the location of the rotating apparatus and signaling a high-speed camera, eliminating the need for a strobe light. Additionally, the system uses interchangeable solid spacers to adjust the volume capacity of measuring cups, allowing for the testing of samples of different sizes and configurations in the same centrifuge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual adjustment of strobe lights is used for image capture, then the image capture process can be performed, but the operational complexity increases and reliability decreases due to frequent strobe failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the strobe light component from the image capture system entirely. Instead of using a strobe to illuminate the rotating sample, the system uses the existing centrifuge lighting combined with a high-speed camera capable of capturing images at very short exposure times. This extraction of the problematic strobe component eliminates frequent failures while reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/stroboscopic illumination system with an electronic high-speed imaging system. The high-speed camera uses electronic shuttering and short exposure times to freeze motion without requiring external strobe illumination. This substitution eliminates the reliability issues associated with strobe lights while maintaining the ability to capture clear images of rotating samples.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed measuring cup volume capacity is used, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to accommodate samples of varying sizes and configurations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measuring cup into modular components that can be reconfigured. The measuring cup is segmented into a base structure and interchangeable inserts or extensions that can be added or removed based on the sample size requirements. This segmentation allows the same measuring cup to accommodate small, medium, and large samples without requiring multiple complete measuring cups.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to the measuring cup volume capacity through interchangeable components. Rather than a fixed static structure, the measuring cup can be dynamically reconfigured by changing inserts or extensions to match the specific sample size and configuration requirements, providing versatility while maintaining a relatively simple base structure.
3Productivity
If automated image capture using position sensor and high-speed camera is implemented, then productivity and data accuracy improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the position sensor and high-speed camera into the existing centrifuge control system, making them multi-functional components. The position sensor serves both for safety monitoring and for triggering automated image capture. The high-speed camera is integrated with the centrifuge's control electronics, allowing automated operation without requiring a completely separate control system. This universality reduces the overall system complexity despite adding automation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated image capture system is designed to operate autonomously using the centrifuge's own rotational position data to trigger image capture at appropriate moments. The system self-regulates by monitoring the rotational phase and automatically capturing images without requiring external intervention or complex external control systems, thereby improving productivity while limiting the increase in device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enhances the efficiency and reliability of capillary pressure measurements by automating the image capture process and enabling the simultaneous testing of multiple samples with varying sizes and configurations, thereby improving data accuracy and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The centrifuge spins the samples at a high speed, and the centrifugal force displaces fluid from the sample that is captured in a measuring cup
Implementation Method 2
A position sensor, such as a piezoelectric sensor, is coupled to a rotating apparatus of the centrifuge
Data Source
AI summary
A capillary pressure measurement device includes a centrifuge having a rotating apparatus adapted to hold porous media samples and to test the samples under centrifugal motion during rotation of the rotating apparatus. A fluid capture device disposed adjacent to each porous media sample receives fluid displaced from the sample due to centrifugal motion applied to the sample during rotation. A measurement system measures an amount of fluid displaced from the porous media samples by taking an image of a fluid meniscus in the fluid capture device. A position sensor determines a position of the fluid capture device and triggers a camera to take the image of the fluid meniscus when the fluid meniscus is in a field of view of the camera. The image of the fluid meniscus is processed to determine a fluid volume correlated to capillary pressure of the corresponding porous media sample.