Centrifugal Molten Metal Intrusion for 3D Pore Structure Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing pore structure in porous media, such as rocks, concrete, and ceramics, are limited in their ability to accurately measure three-dimensional pore structures, especially for dense rocks and high-performance materials, which are crucial for deep-earth and deep-space engineering.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for centrifugal intrusion of molten metal into porous media, followed by solidification positioning, which involves using a centrifugal device with preheating and temperature control mechanisms to invade and solidify molten metal within the porous media, thereby obtaining a three-dimensional representation of the pore structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mercury intrusion method is used, then pore structure can be tested, but safety is compromised due to heavy metal intrusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an indirect measurement approach where molten metal serves as an intermediary substance to fill pores, and the solidified metal distribution is then analyzed to infer pore structure. This mediator approach allows pore characterization without direct mercury intrusion, eliminating the safety hazards of heavy metal exposure while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mercury intrusion mechanical process with a thermal-mechanical process involving melting, intrusion, and solidification. By using phase change and centrifugal force instead of high-pressure mercury forcing, the system achieves pore penetration while avoiding the harmful effects of heavy metal intrusion.
2Measurement precision
If low temperature liquid nitrogen method is used, then pore size measurement is achieved, but measurement range is limited to small pores only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the intrusion substance by using molten metal at elevated temperatures instead of liquid nitrogen at cryogenic temperatures. This parameter change allows the intrusion medium to penetrate a broader range of pore sizes, from nanopores to larger macropores, significantly expanding the measurable pore size range while maintaining measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If nuclear magnetic resonance is used, then pore structure analysis is possible, but pore morphology reflection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a physical copy of the pore structure by filling pores with molten metal that solidifies in place, essentially creating a cast or replica of the pore network. This solidified metal copy preserves the three-dimensional morphology and spatial distribution of pores, allowing detailed morphological analysis that goes beyond what NMR can provide.
4Measurement precision
If electron microscope scanning is used, then two-dimensional pore information is obtained, but three-dimensional structure is not captured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional surface imaging to three-dimensional volumetric analysis by using molten metal to fill the entire pore volume and then analyzing the solidified metal distribution through techniques like X-ray CT scanning. This dimensional transformation captures the complete three-dimensional pore architecture, including depth, volume, and spatial connectivity information.
5Measurement precision
If X-ray scanning is used, then pore structure can be visualized, but accuracy is limited at nanopore level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a physical replica of the pore structure using solidified molten metal, which enhances the contrast and detectability of nanopores during subsequent X-ray scanning. The solid metal-filled pores provide strong scattering contrast that significantly improves the resolution and accuracy of nanopore detection compared to scanning empty or fluid-filled pores.
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 method allows for the accurate determination of three-dimensional pore structures with a larger range of pore sizes, enhancing the understanding of material properties essential for deep-earth and deep-space engineering applications.
Implementation Method 1
a centrifugal device, internally provided with the rotor block, used for performing a centrifugal operation on the test cups
Implementation Method 2
a constant temperature oil bath preheating device, used for preheating the test cups and the rotor block
Implementation Method 3
an infrared heating and compression refrigerating device, arranged inside the centrifugal device, used for controlling a temperature of the test cups
Implementation Method 4
centrifugal intrusion of molten metal into porous media and then solidification positioning
Data Source
AI summary
The application discloses a system and method for centrifugal intrusion of molten metal into porous media and then solidification positioning, including: test cups, used for placing test medium and molten metal intrusion; a rotor block, used for mounting the test cups, where one end of each test cup for placing the test medium is far away from the rotor block; a constant temperature oil bath preheating device, used for preheating the test cups and the rotor block; a centrifugal device, internally provided with the rotor block, used for performing a centrifugal operation on the test cups, where the test cups and the rotor block are installed inside the centrifugal device after being preheated; and an infrared heating and compression refrigerating device, arranged inside the centrifugal device, used for controlling a temperature of the test cups.