Handheld Core Sample Testing Apparatus with Viewing Window
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating treatment fluids, such as acidic fluids, in oil and gas production face challenges including the handling of whole core samples, which are cumbersome, hazardous, and require large quantities of chemicals, leading to logistical and safety issues, as well as the inability to observe reactions in real-time.
Innovation Solution
A compact, handheld testing apparatus that reduces core sample size, allowing direct observation of treatment fluid interactions with core samples through a paneless sample viewing window, enabling real-time assessment and minimizing chemical usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If whole core samples are used for testing, then comprehensive evaluation of treatment fluid performance is achieved, but handling becomes cumbersome and hazardous requiring large quantities of chemicals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the whole core sample into smaller segments or uses reduced-scale core samples that fit within the handheld apparatus. This segmentation maintains the essential geological characteristics needed for accurate treatment fluid evaluation while reducing the physical size to manageable dimensions, thereby improving ease of operation without significantly compromising measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a scaled-down replica or model of the core sample that preserves the key structural and compositional features. This copy allows for accurate treatment fluid performance evaluation using minimal chemical quantities while eliminating the hazards and handling difficulties associated with whole core samples
2Measurement precision
If large quantities of treatment fluid are used for testing, then thorough evaluation of fluid performance is achieved, but chemical waste increases and safety issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
By using a scaled-down core sample model within the handheld apparatus, the patent enables performance evaluation with proportionally smaller quantities of treatment fluid. This maintains sufficient data for accurate assessment while dramatically reducing chemical consumption and waste generation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies treatment fluid in controlled, partial quantities sufficient to achieve meaningful evaluation results without the excessive use required by traditional whole-core testing methods. The reduced-scale apparatus allows for adequate fluid-sample interaction using minimal chemical volumes
3Loss of information
If traditional testing methods are used, then comprehensive data is collected, but real-time observation of reactions is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a transparent viewing window or optical observation port in the handheld apparatus design, adding an observational dimension that enables real-time visual monitoring of treatment fluid reactions with the core sample. This dimensional addition captures reaction dynamics without significantly increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a transparent barrier or viewing medium that allows optical observation of the treatment process in real-time. This intermediary element enables researchers to watch reaction dynamics directly while maintaining the sealed, controlled environment necessary for safe and accurate testing
4Measurement precision
If multiple samples are tested sequentially using traditional methods, then comprehensive evaluation is achieved, but testing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handheld apparatus is designed to accommodate multiple small core sample segments or allows rapid exchange between samples. This segmentation enables researchers to test multiple samples in quick succession, maintaining comprehensive evaluation coverage while dramatically increasing testing throughput compared to traditional whole-core methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates quick-release mechanisms or modular sample holders that enable rapid exchange between different core samples. This dynamic design feature allows researchers to efficiently test multiple samples sequentially without the time-consuming setup and teardown required by traditional testing apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
Testing apparatuses and their methods of use for testing core samples with treatment fluids, such as reactive fluids, such as acidic fluids, are provided. The testing apparatuses include a top and a base housing coupled together having a sample recess, a viewing window, and a primary distribution hole. Within the sample recess a core sample assembly is secured and immobilized. The core sample assembly in the testing apparatus is viewable through the viewing window and fluidly accessible through the primary distribution hole. Optionally, a light connector coupled to the testing apparatus provides light into the core sample assembly. Methods of using the testing apparatus include providing a testing apparatus with a core sample assembly secured and immobilized within the sample recess of the testing apparatus, introducing a treatment fluid to the core sample, and detecting the interaction within the testing apparatus of the core sample with the treatment fluid.