Core Sampling System With Liquid Nitrogen Preservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current core sampling and preservation systems fail to maintain in-situ conditions of rock cores during drilling, leading to inefficient drilling and coring processes due to limitations in handling hard rocks, slow blade cooling, and short tool life.
Innovation Solution
A core sampling and preservation system comprising a drive module, preservation module, and core sampling module, featuring a core drilling tool with a liquid channel starting mechanism, a core catcher with annular base and claws, and a preservation container with liquid nitrogen storage and temperature control, which maintains in-situ conditions by heating and cooling the core automatically and isolating drilling fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional core catchers are used, then soft rock can be collected, but hard rock cannot be effectively sampled
Solution Approach 1:
The core catcher is divided into multiple claws (typically 6-8 claws) that can independently flex and adapt to different rock types. Each claw is segmented with a root portion and a free end, allowing differential movement to grip both soft and hard rocks effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The claws are designed to be flexible rather than rigid, allowing them to dynamically adjust their position and shape during the coring process. This dynamic flexibility enables the same core catcher structure to handle varying rock hardness effectively.
2Reliability
If conventional drilling without liquid cooling is used, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but blade cooling speed is slow and tool wear is high
Solution Approach 1:
A liquid cooling system is integrated into the drilling apparatus, with channels running through the drill bit and core catcher to deliver cooling fluid directly to the cutting blades. This hydraulic cooling mechanism significantly improves blade cooling efficiency and extends tool life.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling fluid is prepared and delivered in advance through pre-configured channels in the drill bit, ensuring that cooling is immediately available when the blades contact the rock formation, preventing excessive heat buildup before it occurs.
3Reliability
If core storage chamber environmental parameters are reduced during equipment rise, then equipment transport is simplified, but core in-situ conditions cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The preservation system actively controls temperature and pressure parameters within the core storage chamber, maintaining them at in-situ conditions throughout the lifting and transport process. Sensors and control mechanisms adjust these parameters dynamically to compensate for environmental changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The core storage chamber creates a controlled, isolated environment that protects the core from external atmospheric conditions. By maintaining a stable internal atmosphere with controlled temperature and pressure, the system prevents contamination and degradation of the core samples during transport.
4Power
If hydraulic equipment is used without liquid channel blocking mechanism, then system simplicity is maintained, but hydraulic pressure cannot be effectively supplied before operation
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid channel starting mechanism includes blocking elements that are positioned in advance to seal the hydraulic channels before operation. When activation is required, these blocks are removed or moved, allowing hydraulic fluid to flow immediately to the motor and cooling system, ensuring ready power delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking elements are designed to be removable or movable components that can be easily extracted from the liquid channels when needed. This extraction mechanism allows rapid transition from a blocked, pressure-ready state to an active hydraulic flow state without complex valve systems.
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
The system enhances drilling speed and efficiency, maintains core integrity, and extends tool life by maintaining in-situ conditions, preventing contamination, and ensuring reliable core collection and storage.
Implementation Method 1
The upper end of the inner core barrel is communicated with a liquid nitrogen storage tank, and the liquid nitrogen storage tank is located in the outer core barrel
Implementation Method 2
liquid nitrogen storage tank
Implementation Method 3
the energy storage device is communicated with the outer core barrel
Implementation Method 4
after starting, hydraulic pressure is supplied to the working parts, drive the hydraulic motor and cool the drill bit
Implementation Method 5
cool the drill bit
Data Source
AI summary
A core sampling and preservation system comprises the following sequentially connected modules: a drive module (300), a preservation module (200) and a core sampling module (100). The core sampling module (100) comprises a core drilling tool and a core sample storage compartment. The preservation module (200) comprises a core sample preservation container. The drive module comprises a core drill having a liquid channel. The core sample preservation container comprises an inner core barrel (28), an outer core barrel (26) and an energy storage device (229). The outer core barrel (26) is sleeved onto the inner core barrel (28). An upper end of the inner core barrel (28) is in communication with a liquid nitrogen storage tank (225). The liquid nitrogen storage tank (225) is positioned inside the outer core barrel (26). The energy storage device (229) is in communication with the outer core barrel (26). The outer core barrel (26) is provided with a butterfly valve (23). The system facilitates preserving a core at in-situ conditions, and has an increased drilling speed, thereby enhancing core sampling efficiency.