Geologic Material Volatile Analysis Without High-Vacuum Gas Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for analyzing the contents of geological materials, particularly for detecting hydrocarbons, are limited by the need for high vacuum conditions which lead to gas loss and do not accurately reflect present-day fluid compositions in geologic formations.
Innovation Solution
A method that analyzes volatile substances from geological materials at various vacuum pressures, including low, medium, and high vacuum conditions, using a non-selective trap for condensable gases and mass spectrometry to analyze both condensable and non-condensable gases, allowing for the characterization of petroleum-associated regions and hydrocarbon deposits without the need for high vacuum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If high vacuum conditions are applied to analyze geological materials, then gas extraction efficiency is improved, but gas loss increases and measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from high vacuum conditions to atmospheric or near-atmospheric pressure conditions for gas extraction and analysis. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by eliminating gas loss while maintaining extraction efficiency, as gases are extracted into a headspace and analyzed without requiring high vacuum that causes gas escape and measurement errors.
2Measurement precision
If high vacuum conditions are applied for mass spectrometry analysis, then condensable gases can be analyzed, but non-condensable gases are lost and analysis accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the analysis of condensable and non-condensable gases into distinct operational phases. Condensable gases are trapped and analyzed first under controlled conditions, then the system transitions to analyze non-condensable gases in the headspace without requiring high vacuum. This segmentation allows both gas types to be analyzed accurately without information loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by first extracting gases into a headspace under atmospheric conditions, then selectively trapping and analyzing condensable gases before analyzing non-condensable gases. This preliminary extraction step preserves all gases without loss, allowing subsequent selective analysis without compromising the integrity of non-condensable gas samples.
3Productivity
If fluid inclusions are analyzed under high vacuum, then material release is improved, but gas loss occurs and present-day fluid composition accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by conducting fluid inclusion analysis under atmospheric or near-atmospheric pressure conditions rather than high vacuum. This parameter change maintains material release efficiency through alternative mechanisms while preserving present-day fluid compositions by preventing gas loss that occurs under high vacuum conditions.
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 approach enables more accurate and efficient analysis of volatile substances, reducing gas loss and providing a better representation of present-day fluid compositions, thereby improving the detection of hydrocarbons and characterization of geological formations.
Implementation Method 1
a non-selective trap of condensable gasses
Implementation Method 2
mass spectrometry analysis of such compounds
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods for determining the hardness and/or ductility of a material by compression of the material are provided as a first aspect of the invention. Typically, compression is performed on multiple sides of a geologic material sample in a contemporaneous manner. Devices and systems for performing such methods also are provided. These methods, devices, and systems can be combined with additional methods, devices, and systems of the invention that provide for the analysis of compounds contained in such samples, which can indicate the presence of valuable materials, such as petroleum-associated hydrocarbons. Alternatively, these additional methods, devices, and systems can also stand independently of the methods, devices, and systems for analyzing ductility and/or hardness of materials.