Cement Testing Apparatus Dual-Cell Compression Tension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing cement mechanical properties in well bore conditions are limited, as they often require removing cement samples from high-pressure vessels, which can damage the samples and are time-consuming, and do not allow for simultaneous compression and tension testing under controlled downhole conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for testing cement samples that include a pressure vessel with a double cell test module allowing for both compression and tension testing in the same cell without changing components, using flexible tubular members and a hydraulic piston to apply axial stress, enabling testing under simulated downhole conditions and maintaining sample integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cement samples are removed from high-pressure vessels for testing, then testing can be performed, but sample damage occurs and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the curing chamber and testing apparatus into a single integrated system. The pressure vessel that cures the cement samples under downhole conditions also contains the testing apparatus that performs mechanical testing without requiring sample removal. This merging eliminates the time loss and sample damage associated with transferring samples between vessels.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure vessel is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a curing chamber that maintains downhole temperature and pressure conditions during cement hydration, and as a testing chamber that performs mechanical testing. This multi-functionality allows the same system to prepare and evaluate cement samples without interruption, resolving the contradiction between maintaining sample integrity and reducing testing time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate testing apparatus are used for compression and tension testing, then specialized testing can be performed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The testing apparatus is segmented into two separate cells within the same pressure vessel: a compression cell with a compression plunger and a tension cell with a tension member. Each cell is optimized for its specific testing mode, yet both cells share the common pressure vessel environment and control system. This segmentation allows specialized compression and tension testing capabilities while avoiding the complexity of two entirely separate apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression cell and tension cell are nested within the same pressure vessel, with each cell containing its specialized testing components. The tension cell is positioned adjacent to the compression cell, and both cells share the common high-pressure environment. This nested arrangement enables multiple specialized testing functions within a single integrated system, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining testing versatility.
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
Enables accurate measurement of cement mechanical properties, including strength and failure limits, under simulated downhole conditions, reducing sample preparation time and the risk of damage, while allowing for simultaneous compression and tension testing, thus improving the efficiency and accuracy of cement testing.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible tubular member, such as a rubber sleeve, allows for application of confining pressure to a cement sample during curing and/or testing
Implementation Method 2
A hydraulic piston allows for application of axial stress on the cement samples
Implementation Method 3
The cell is configured to cause different portions of a single sample to fail in compression and in tension without rearranging any mechanical parts
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods provide for testing a cement by applying force in a first direction until the first portion of the cement sample fails in compression or tension; and applying force a second direction opposite the first direction until the second portion of the cement sample fails in tension or compression.