Dual-Mode Microwave Cavity for Rapid Shale Maturity Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laboratory-based analyses for determining shale rock maturity, such as pyrolysis, are time-consuming and prone to sample damage, leading to uncertainty in measurements.
Innovation Solution
A dual mode microwave cavity system is used to heat and measure the complex permittivity of shale samples in situ, allowing for rapid determination of maturity based on relaxation processes in the imaginary part of permittivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laboratory-based pyrolysis analysis is used to determine shale rock maturity, then measurement accuracy is improved, but analysis time increases significantly and sample damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical pyrolysis process with electromagnetic radiation (microwave) based measurement. The dual-mode microwave cavity uses electromagnetic fields to both heat the sample and measure complex permittivity, eliminating the need for lengthy laboratory pyrolysis procedures while maintaining measurement accuracy through direct physical property measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from chemical composition analysis (pyrolysis) to physical property measurement (complex permittivity). By measuring the imaginary part of complex permittivity at different temperatures, the system can determine maturity parameters rapidly without the time-consuming chemical decomposition process.
2Measurement precision
If laboratory-based pyrolysis analysis is used to determine shale rock maturity, then measurement accuracy is improved, but sample integrity deteriorates due to damage during transport and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the measurement action before sample degradation can occur during transport to the laboratory. By using a portable dual-mode microwave cavity that can measure complex permittivity in situ, the system captures the sample's physical properties before any damage or contamination occurs, ensuring both accuracy and reliability.
3Productivity
If rapid microwave measurement is used to determine shale rock maturity, then analysis time is reduced, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dual-mode microwave cavity that performs two functions simultaneously: heating the sample and measuring complex permittivity. This multi-functionality allows rapid analysis without sacrificing precision, as the same electromagnetic field is used for both sample preparation and measurement, eliminating the need for separate lengthy analytical procedures.
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
Provides instantaneous and reliable shale rock maturity assessment, reducing sample degradation and laboratory dependency, with results comparable to pyrolysis.
Implementation Method 1
a heating system configured to heat the shale sample to a range of different temperatures using microwave emissions of a first frequency
Implementation Method 2
a measuring system configured to measure a complex permittivity of the shale sample using a microwave signal of a second frequency
Data Source
AI summary
A system for determining shale rock maturity includes a dual mode microwave cavity configured to receive a shale sample, a heating system configured to heat the shale sample to a range of different temperatures using microwave emissions of a first frequency, and a measuring system configured to measure a complex permittivity of the shale sample using a microwave signal of a second frequency.