Multi-heat Core Sample Holder with Internal Resistance Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional core sample holders are inefficient in heating core samples to high reservoir temperature conditions due to external heat supply methods, which are time-consuming and ineffective, especially for deep well drilling where high pressure and temperature conditions need to be mimicked.
Innovation Solution
A multi-heat energy source core sample holder assembly incorporating electrical and electromagnetic heat sources, with a nichrome wire coiled within a flexible sleeve, allowing for direct heat generation inside the core sample holder, enabling faster and more efficient heating of core samples and fluids to simulate downhole conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If external heat supply methods (external jacket or heating oven) are used to heat the core sample, then the core sample can be heated to reservoir temperature, but the heating process is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional external mechanical heating system (heating oven or external jacket) with an internal electrical heating system. Electrical resistance heating elements are embedded within the core sample holder, allowing direct heat generation at the target location. This substitution of heating mechanism dramatically reduces heating time while achieving the same temperature increase in the core sample.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary heating element (electrical resistance heating wire) that is embedded within the core sample holder structure. This intermediary component serves as a direct heat source that transfers thermal energy efficiently to the core sample, eliminating the need for external heat transfer through thick tubular hulls and poor heat conducting rubber sleeves.
2Temperature
If external heat supply methods are used, then the core sample can be heated to high reservoir temperature, but the heat must penetrate through thick tubular hull and poor heat conducting rubber sleeve, reducing heating efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the inefficient external heat transfer mechanism with direct internal electrical heating. By embedding heating elements within the core sample holder, heat is generated directly at the target location, eliminating the energy loss pathway through thick tubular hulls and poor heat conducting rubber sleeves. This direct heating approach maximizes heat transfer efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the heat generation function from the external environment and relocates it to the internal structure of the core sample holder. By taking out the heating function and embedding it within the holder structure, the system eliminates the inefficient heat transfer path through external jackets and improves overall thermal efficiency.
3Temperature
If conventional external heating methods are used, then the core sample holder can be heated, but the entire holder must be placed inside a heating oven, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex external heating system (heating oven) with a simple internal electrical heating system. Electrical resistance heating elements embedded in the core sample holder can be activated directly without requiring a separate heating oven. This simplification of the heating system reduces device complexity while maintaining the ability to reach high reservoir temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a self-service heating system where the core sample holder generates its own heat through embedded electrical heating elements. This eliminates the need for external heating equipment like heating ovens, allowing the system to heat itself directly. The self-service approach significantly reduces device complexity while achieving the desired temperature increase.
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 multi-heat energy source core sample holder assembly significantly reduces heating time and improves efficiency by generating heat internally, allowing for precise temperature control and simulation of reservoir conditions, enhancing laboratory experimentation accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one energy inlet port is electrically coupled with the wire member to supply electric current along the wire member in at least one of a Direct Current (DC) form to produce an electric resistance heating
Implementation Method 2
supply electric current along the wire member in at least one of a Direct Current (DC) form to produce an electric resistance heating, or an Alternate Current (AC) form to produce an electromagnetic heating
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-heat energy source core sample holder assembly for conducting experiment on a core sample includes a core sample holder, a flexible sleeve, and a multi-heat energy generation source arrangement. The core sample holder includes a cylindrical pressure chamber and a pair of disk-shaped flanges positioned along opposite ends of the cylindrical pressure chamber to accommodate at least one fluid injection port and at least one fluid discharge port. The flexible sleeve is arranged within and along the cylindrical pressure chamber to define one or more section(s) to hold the core sample. The energy generation source includes a wire member to be coiled along an internal wall of the flexible sleeve to be supplied with electric current in at least one of a Direct Current (DC) form to produce an electric resistance heating, or an Alternate Current (AC) form to produce an electromagnetic heating, singularly or in combination.