Core Sample Volume Measurement in Sealed Pressure Vessels
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Solution Overview
Problem
The volume of core samples within a sealed pressure vessel cannot be determined at the wellsite, hindering the ability to assess if additional coring operations are needed while equipment and personnel are still available, as existing methods like X-ray or CT scans are often precluded by the vessel's design.
Innovation Solution
A method involving determining the internal volume of the pressure vessel, the density of a prefill fluid, and the average density of earth strata to calculate the volume of core samples using a computational approach, allowing for the assessment of core sample viability without opening the vessel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If X-ray machines or CT scan machines are used to determine core sample volume, then measurement capability is improved, but the pressure vessel design precludes their use
Solution Approach 1:
A buoyancy measurement device is introduced as an intermediary tool that can operate within the constraints of the sealed pressure vessel. Instead of using X-ray or CT scan machines that are incompatible with the vessel design, the patent employs a buoyancy-based measurement system that works through the vessel's existing structure, particularly utilizing the fluid environment already present in the pressure vessel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical measurement systems (X-ray and CT scan machines) with a buoyancy-based measurement approach. This substitution allows volume determination through fluid displacement principles rather than requiring complex imaging equipment that cannot access or penetrate the sealed pressure vessel.
2Measurement precision
If the pressure vessel is opened to measure core sample volume, then measurement access is improved, but core sample integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The volume measurement is performed before the pressure vessel is opened and before the core samples are transported to the laboratory. By conducting the measurement while the vessel is still sealed and the samples are in their original pressurized state, the integrity of the core samples is maintained throughout the measurement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The buoyancy measurement device acts as an intermediary that can measure volume through the sealed vessel wall or through the fluid medium without requiring direct contact with or exposure of the core samples. This eliminates the need to open the vessel for measurement purposes.
3Measurement precision
If additional coring operations are delayed until after laboratory analysis, then analysis accuracy is improved, but operational efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The volume measurement is performed preliminarily at the wellsite before the core samples are transported to the laboratory and before any decisions about additional coring operations are made. This preliminary measurement provides immediate information that can guide operational decisions while equipment and personnel are still available.
Solution Approach 2:
The buoyancy measurement system provides immediate feedback on core sample volume at the wellsite, enabling real-time decision-making about whether additional coring operations are necessary. This feedback loop eliminates the delay that would otherwise occur while waiting for laboratory analysis results.
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 the determination of core sample volume within the sealed pressure vessel before it is transported to a laboratory, facilitating potential additional coring operations while equipment and personnel are still on site, thus optimizing field operations.
Implementation Method 1
determining the volume of the plurality of core samples by submerging the buoyancy device in a fluid within the pressure vessel and measuring a buoyant force exerted on the buoyancy device
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining the volume of core samples disposed within a sealed pressure vessel, the sealed pressure vessel containing a prefill fluid having a density, the method including determining the internal volume of the pressure vessel; determining the density of the prefill fluid; determining, using at least one of one or more computers, the net density of the core samples disposed within the sealed pressure vessel; determining, using at least one of the one or more computers, the density of one or more earth strata proximate the respective in situ locations of the core samples; and calculating, using at least one of the one or more computers, the volume of the core samples disposed within the sealed pressure vessel. In an exemplary embodiment, the core samples are sealed within the pressure vessel when the pressure vessel is disposed within an oil or gas wellbore.