Multi-Scale Microbial Carbonate Pore Characterization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for characterizing microbial carbonate pores are inaccurate and lack comprehensiveness, making it difficult to systematically analyze these structures which are crucial for understanding paleoenvironment reconstruction and potential oil and gas reservoirs.
Innovation Solution
A multi-scale characterization method involving detailed observational descriptions, full-diameter core sampling, and sequential testing using techniques like NMR, CT scans, polarizing microscopy, and electron scanning microscopy to determine centimeter, millimeter, micron, and nanoscale pore parameters, along with a server-based implementation to integrate these analyses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual observation and sampling testing are used for microbial carbonate pore characterization, then the process is simple and easy to operate, but the measurement precision and comprehensiveness are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pore characterization process into multiple hierarchical levels: macroscopic observation of core samples, mid-scale CT scanning of core samples, and microscopic observation of thin sections. Each level targets different pore size ranges and provides complementary information, collectively achieving comprehensive and precise pore characterization that neither method could achieve alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested multi-scale characterization framework where thin section samples are prepared from core samples, and SEM samples are prepared from thin sections. This nested sampling approach allows progressive refinement from macro to micro scales, with each level building upon the previous level to achieve comprehensive pore structure characterization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single sampling method is used, then the operation is simple, but the comprehensiveness of pore characterization at different scales is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic, adaptive sampling strategy where the selection and progression of sampling methods are determined by preliminary observation results. The process dynamically adjusts the scale and intensity of subsequent testing based on initial findings, allowing the characterization workflow to adapt to the specific properties of each microbial carbonate sample while maintaining operational efficiency.
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 significantly enhances the accuracy and comprehensiveness of microbial carbonate pore characterization, enabling more precise analysis of pore structures and their potential for oil and gas storage.
Implementation Method 1
performing nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI) on the full-diameter core sample to obtain an NMR image
Implementation Method 2
performing a computed tomography (CT) scan on the plunger sample to obtain a scanned image
Implementation Method 3
performing a fourth pore test on the SEM sample by using an SEM to determine a nanoscale pore parameter
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for characterizing microbial carbonate pores, and a server. Acquiring a user's detailed observational description of a profile of a microbial carbonate to be analyzed, and determining a full-diameter core sample on the microbial carbonate; performing pore characterization and a first pore test on the full-diameter core sample to determine a centimeter-scale pore parameter; determining a sampling position on the full-diameter core sample, and sampling on the full-diameter core sample to obtain a plunger sample; performing a second pore test on the plunger sample to determine a millimeter-scale pore parameter; determining a sampling position on the plunger sample according to the millimeter-scale pore parameter, and sampling on the plunger sample to obtain a scanning electron microscope (SEM) sample and a casting thin section sample; and performing a pore test on the SEM sample and the casting thin section sample to determine a micron-to-nanoscale pore parameter.