Cryogenic Core Collection In Situ Freezing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cryogenic core collection methods often result in low-quality core samples, especially in unconsolidated subsurface media, due to pore fluid drainage and atmospheric gas replacement, which can bias key characteristic estimates.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a cylindrical tube with a cooling chamber and insulation to circulate a cooling liquid, freezing the core sample within a liner, and creating a 'frozen plug' to prevent fluid loss and contamination, ensuring high-quality sample preservation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cryogenic core collection methods are used, then core samples can be collected, but the sample quality deteriorates due to pore fluid drainage and atmospheric gas replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary freezing of the core sample in situ before retrieval. The freezing occurs while the sample is still in the ground, preventing pore fluid drainage and atmospheric gas replacement that would otherwise occur during extraction and transport. This preliminary action preserves the sample's original state and prevents subsequent degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a frozen environment that acts as an inert barrier, preventing interaction between the core sample and atmospheric gases. The frozen state locks pore fluids in place and excludes atmospheric contamination, maintaining the sample's authentic composition without exchange with external environments.
2Reliability
If conventional cryogenic core collection methods are used, then core samples can be collected, but sample integrity deteriorates due to corruption and low quality
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary freezing of the core sample in situ before retrieval. The freezing occurs while the sample is still in the ground, preventing pore fluid drainage and atmospheric gas replacement that would otherwise occur during extraction and transport. This preliminary action preserves the sample's original state and prevents subsequent degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides protective cushioning by freezing the sample in place within the ground formation. This frozen state acts as a protective matrix that cushions and supports the sample structure during the subsequent retrieval process, preventing mechanical corruption and maintaining sample integrity throughout handling and transport.
3Measurement precision
If pore fluids drain from the core during recovery, then atmospheric gases replace the fluids, but this biases estimates of key characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary freezing of the core sample in situ before retrieval. The freezing occurs while the sample is still in the ground, preventing pore fluid drainage and atmospheric gas replacement that would otherwise occur during extraction and transport. This preliminary action preserves the sample's original state and prevents subsequent degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the phase transition of water from liquid to solid state to preserve pore fluids. By freezing the sample, the pore fluids transition to ice, which maintains their position and prevents drainage. This phase change locks the fluid distribution in place, preserving the authentic saturation levels needed for accurate characteristic estimation.
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 effectively freezes and collects core samples with preserved attributes, such as contaminant concentrations and fluid saturations, while minimizing sample disruption and maintaining volatile gases and microbes, enhancing recovery efficiency and data accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The annulus of the cooling chamber is configured to receive a cooling liquid near the bottom portion from the inlet tube and to discharge the cooling liquid near the upper portion to the outlet tube... to thereby freeze and collect a core sample in the core sample liner
Implementation Method 2
The system further includes insulation housed at least partially within the outer cylindrical tube
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for collecting a core sample. The system includes an outer cylindrical tube, a drive head, a drive shoe, a cooling chamber housed inside the outer cylindrical tube, insulation, a core sample liner, an inlet tube, and outlet tube. The drive shoe further comprises a first, second, and third step, the first step configured to receive the insulation, the second step configured to receive the cooling chamber, the third step configured to receive the core sample liner, wherein the first step has a diameter larger than the second step and the second step has a diameter larger than the third step. The method includes drilling a hole in the ground with a drilling tool, enclosing a core sample by a core sample liner, freezing the core sample via a cooling liquid, retrieving the drilling tool at a surface of the ground, and removing the core sample encased in the core sample liner from the cooling chamber.