Everted Liner Absorbent Sampling for Contaminant Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for mapping and measuring underground contamination lack accuracy and reliability, particularly in subsurface geologic formations, as they often rely on open borehole water samples that can mix with formation water, leading to inaccurate contaminant distribution and concentration assessments.
Innovation Solution
A flexible liner apparatus with an absorbent member, comprising an outer layer and absorbent material, is deployed in a borehole, where fluid pressure presses the absorbent member against the borehole wall, allowing for precise absorption and analysis of contaminants, providing improved spatial resolution and accuracy by minimizing extraneous contamination during sampling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If open borehole water sampling is used, then sampling simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to mixing with formation water
Solution Approach 1:
The borehole is divided into multiple discrete sampling zones along its length. Absorbent members are positioned at specific intervals to sample contaminants from different depth segments independently, preventing mixing between zones and enabling precise spatial mapping of contamination distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
An absorbent member acts as an intermediary between the borehole water and the sampling system. This absorbent material selectively absorbs contaminants from the water while being contained within a protective housing, isolating the sampling function from the complex borehole environment and improving measurement reliability.
2Measurement precision
If absorbent members are pressed against borehole wall by fluid pressure, then contaminant absorption accuracy improves, but device complexity and pressure control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing fluid pressure naturally present in the borehole to press the absorbent members against the borehole wall for sampling. After sampling, the same or additional fluid pressure is used to automatically advance the liner and reposition absorbent members to new zones, eliminating the need for external mechanical actuation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible liner and absorbent member positioning system is designed to be dynamically adjustable based on fluid pressure conditions. The absorbent members can move along the liner in response to pressure changes, allowing the system to adapt to varying borehole conditions without complex control mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible liner is used for absorbent member deployment, then adaptability to borehole conditions improves, but manufacturing precision and structural stability become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible liner made from thin-walled tubing is used to house and deploy the absorbent members. This flexible structure can conform to the cylindrical borehole geometry and accommodate variations in borehole diameter and shape while maintaining the integrity of the absorbent member positioning and sealing.
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
This method enables quick and accurate determination of subsurface contamination, offering finer resolution and reduced contamination interference, allowing for precise measurement of contaminant types and concentrations in both saturated and unsaturated conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an absorbent material, disposed between the liner and the outer layer, for absorbing any contaminants occurring in the borehole
Implementation Method 2
when the apparatus is disposed in a borehole, the liner is urged toward the borehole wall by a fluid pressure inside said liner, and the absorbent member is pressed against the borehole wall by the liner
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for evaluating chemicals of interest in a subsurface bore hole, such as a groundwater sampling well. An absorbent member is attached to a flexible liner, and the liner is everted by fluid pressure down the borehole. The everted liner presses the absorbent member against the wall of the borehole. Any chemicals of interest are absorbed into the absorbent member from the media surrounding the borehole. The liner, with associated absorbent member thereon, is then extracted from the borehole. The absorbent member may then be subjected to any suitable laboratory analysis to evaluate the type, spatial distribution, and concentration of chemicals of interest, such as water contaminants occurring in the borehole.