Extended Core Sample CT Scanning With Roller-Guided Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical-type CT scanners are limited in scanning longer core samples, requiring them to be cut into shorter pieces, which leads to inaccurate analysis and increased costs, as they cannot accommodate samples exceeding 3 feet in length without damaging the reservoir state.
Innovation Solution
An extended length core sample scanning apparatus with a U-shaped receptacle and rollers is coupled to a CT scanner, allowing the core sample to be translated through the scanner without cutting, enabling imaging of core samples up to 6 feet in length by positioning one end on a moveable CT scanning table and the other end in a stationary U-shaped receptacle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If medical-type CT scanners with fixtures are used to scan core samples, then imaging capability is improved, but the maximum sample length is limited to 3 feet or less
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is segmented into a movable support table for positioning one end of the core sample and a stationary U-shaped receptacle with rollers for supporting the other end. This segmentation allows the sample to span beyond the traditional scanner footprint, enabling imaging of longer samples while maintaining imaging precision.
2Ease of operation
If longer core samples are cut into shorter pieces to fit existing scanners, then scanning capability is improved, but the reservoir state is damaged and analysis accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support system transitions from a static fixture to a dynamic configuration with a movable support table and stationary receptacle. This dynamic arrangement allows the system to adapt to longer sample lengths without requiring the sample to be cut, thereby maintaining the reservoir state and analysis reliability while improving scanning capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If core samples are cut to accommodate existing scanners, then scanning compatibility is improved, but analysis time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The modified support system provides multi-functionality by accommodating both traditional shorter core samples and extended length core samples within the same CT scanner. This universality eliminates the need for separate scanning setups or sample preparation procedures, thereby maintaining scanning compatibility while reducing analysis time and costs.
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 non-destructive imaging of extended length core samples, maintaining the reservoir state and reducing analysis time and costs by allowing the entire sample to be scanned without cutting, providing accurate images for hydrocarbon reservoir analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a first roller located at a first position in the U-shaped receptacle and a second roller located at a second position in the U-shaped receptacle. The first roller and second roller are configured to support a weight of the core housing containing the core sample and define a clearance between the core housing and an interior wall of the U-shaped receptacle, such that a rotation of the rollers enables a translation of the core housing through the U-shaped receptacle
Implementation Method 2
Core samples may be analyzed non-destructively by computed tomography (CT) to obtain images of the core samples
Implementation Method 3
Core samples may be analyzed non-destructively by computed tomography (CT) to obtain images of the core samples
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure include an extended length core sample scanning apparatus that enables the imaging of extended length core samples using medical-type CT scanners. The extended length core sample scanning apparatus has a frame that defines a U-shaped receptacle that receives core housing containing the core sample when the core sample is placed in a CT scanner. The extended length core sample scanning apparatus may have two or more rollers located in the U-shaped receptacle to enable translation of the extended length core sample through a CT scanner during scanning. The rollers may also provide for a minimum clearance between the core housing and the walls of the U-shaped receptacle. Methods of imaging an extended length core sample are also provided.