High-Pressure Helium Shale Porosity Testing Device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current low-pressure helium porosity testing methods for shale are inadequate for accurately measuring porosity under formation temperature and pressure conditions, leading to significant errors due to the limitations of pressure sensors and the non-ideal gas behavior of helium at high pressures.
Innovation Solution
A high-pressure helium shale porosity testing device and method that includes a reference cylinder, pressure cylinder, sample cylinder, differential pressure sensor, pressure gauge, venting and vacuumizing system, and temperature control system, allowing for precise measurement of pressure differences and real gas characteristics, enabling high-precision porosity testing and analysis of helium diffusion over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a pressure sensor with a larger measuring range is used to increase the pressure range that can be borne by the device, then the pressure range is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to the 0.1% error of the full range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pressure measurement system into two separate measurement paths: one for measuring absolute pressure (using a pressure sensor with larger range) and another for measuring pressure difference (using a differential pressure sensor with higher precision but smaller range). This segmentation allows each sensor to operate within its optimal measurement range, resolving the contradiction between pressure range and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reference cylinder as an intermediary component that maintains a stable reference pressure. By comparing the sample cylinder pressure against this stable reference, the system can accurately measure small pressure differences even when operating at high pressures, thus resolving the precision issue while maintaining high pressure capability.
2Measurement precision
If a pressure sensor with higher precision is used to improve the test result, then the measurement precision is improved, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different quality levels to different measurement functions: a high-precision differential pressure sensor is used specifically for measuring the small pressure difference (where high precision is critical), while a standard pressure sensor with larger range is used for measuring the absolute pressure (where high precision is less critical). This localized application of precision reduces overall system cost while maintaining measurement accuracy where needed.
3Stress or pressure
If the same low-pressure helium porosity measurement design is used with increased pressure range, then the pressure range is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates and the error of pressure difference results increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement function into absolute pressure measurement and differential pressure measurement, using dedicated sensors for each function. This allows the system to operate at high pressures while maintaining high precision in measuring the critical pressure difference parameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference cylinder acts as an intermediary that provides a stable pressure reference point. This enables accurate differential pressure measurement by comparing the sample cylinder pressure against the stable reference, even when both are at high pressure levels.
4Device complexity
If low-pressure helium is used for porosity testing, then the equipment complexity is reduced and cost is lowered, but the ability to simulate formation temperature and pressure conditions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating pressure parameter from low pressure to high pressure (up to 30 MPa or higher), and incorporates temperature control to simulate formation conditions. These parameter changes enable the device to accurately measure porosity under conditions that match actual reservoir environments, improving adaptability while accepting increased equipment complexity.
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 solution enables high-precision porosity testing under simulated formation conditions, significantly improving measurement accuracy and allowing for the determination of helium diffusion in shale over time, while being cost-effective and applicable to various sample types.
Implementation Method 1
the differential pressure sensor is configured to measure changes of pressure difference between the sample cylinder and the pressure cylinder
Implementation Method 2
the temperature control system is used for controlling the temperature of the whole device
Implementation Method 3
the relation between the diffusing amount of high-pressure helium in shale and the time can be obtained
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a high-pressure helium shale porosity testing device and method. The device comprises a reference cylinder, a pressure cylinder, a sample cylinder, a differential pressure sensor, a pressure gauge, an venting and vacuumizing system, a temperature control system and a tubing and valve system, wherein the reference cylinder is respectively connected with a helium source, the pressure cylinder and the sample cylinder through the tubing and valve system, the differential pressure sensor is configured to measure changes of pressure difference between the sample cylinder and the pressure cylinder, the pressure gauge is configured to measure pressure at the pressure cylinder, the sample cylinder is further connected with the venting and vacuumizing system through the tubing and valve system, and the temperature control system is used for controlling the temperature of the whole device.