Micro-PVT Cell Array for Parallel Phase Property Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for determining phase properties of materials are limited by their inability to measure multiple pressure-temperature conditions simultaneously, leading to inefficient and costly processes, especially in applications like oil extraction and CO2 storage, where precise phase behavior data is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus utilizing a plurality of cells with an interference material that retards the transport of a sample material, allowing for independent modulation of pressure and temperature in each cell, enabling simultaneous measurement of phase properties across a range of conditions using microfluidic or nanofluidic devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional PVT cell methods are used to measure phase properties, then measurement precision can be maintained, but measurement time becomes excessively long and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the measurement system into multiple independent micro-PVT cells (e.g., 100 cells) that can simultaneously measure phase properties at different pressure-temperature conditions. Each cell is isolated by interference material to prevent cross-contamination, enabling parallel measurements that reduce total measurement time from months to hours while maintaining precision through individual cell control
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from single-point sequential measurement to multi-point parallel measurement by adding the dimension of spatial parallelism. Multiple cells are arranged in an array and simultaneously subjected to different stimuli, converting a one-dimensional time-based measurement process into a multi-dimensional parallel measurement system
2Productivity
If multiple pressure-temperature conditions are measured simultaneously using parallel cells, then measurement efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a universal measurement platform where a single apparatus with multiple micro-PVT cells can simultaneously perform measurements under various pressure-temperature conditions. The system uses common infrastructure (stimuli application systems, sensing systems, interference material) that serves all cells, reducing overall complexity compared to having separate measurement systems for each condition
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple measurement functions into a single integrated apparatus. Multiple micro-PVT cells, stimuli application mechanisms, and sensing systems are combined into one coordinated system that measures phase properties across multiple conditions simultaneously, reducing the need for multiple separate devices and操作流程
3Speed
If microfluidic technologies are used for rapid phase mapping, then measurement speed increases, but measurement precision deteriorates due to flow instabilities and impurity accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the sample material from continuous flow and confines it within isolated micro-PVT cells using interference material. This eliminates the harmful effects of continuous flow (multiphase flow instabilities, high-speed imaging limitations, subjective operator assessment, and impurity accumulation at phase change interfaces) while retaining the benefits of micro-scale rapid equilibrium
Solution Approach 2:
The interference material acts as an intermediary that prevents direct interaction between sample materials from different cells. By retarding or preventing transport of sample material between cells, it eliminates cross-contamination and impurity accumulation while allowing each cell to maintain its own phase equilibrium independently
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 allows for rapid and precise determination of phase properties, reducing measurement time and cost by enabling parallel analysis of multiple conditions within a single run, improving the accuracy and efficiency of phase property mapping.
Implementation Method 1
disposing an interference material relative to the sample material such that the interference material at least retards the transport of the sample material from a one of the cells to at least another one of the cells
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for determining a material characteristic of a sample material are disclosed. A sample material is loaded to a plurality of cells. An interference material is disposed relative to the sample material such that the interference material at least retards the transport of the sample material from a one of the cells to at least another one of the cells. For each one of the cells, independently: a stimulus is applied to the sample material in the cell such that a conditioned sample material is obtained; and a material characteristic of the conditioned sample material is sensed.