Multi-Purpose Tube for Foam Cement Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laboratory testing of foam cement designs is inadequate due to insufficient and inappropriate equipment, as it fails to simulate the actual field conditions of elevated temperatures and pressures, leading to discrepancies in cement density and expansion behavior between laboratory and field settings.
Innovation Solution
The development of a Multi-Purpose Tube (MPT) apparatus, which includes various configurations such as Sealed, Ported-Piston, Piston-Sealed, Ported-Sealed, Ported, and Piston MPTs, utilizing outer and inner tubes with elastomer seals and caps to maintain sample integrity under controlled temperature and pressure conditions, allowing for accurate simulation of field conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If foam cement is cured in an unconfined mold in the laboratory, then the cement can expand freely, but the density and expansion behavior do not match field conditions where hydrostatic pressure restricts expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the testing environment from unconfined to confined conditions. The MPT apparatus introduces confining pressure parameters that restrict cement expansion, changing the physical state parameters (density, volume) to match field conditions. This resolves the contradiction by adjusting the testing parameters to simultaneously maintain operational simplicity while achieving measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a scaled-down model (MPT apparatus) that replicates field conditions. The apparatus copies the hydrostatic pressure and confinement effects of actual wellbore environments, allowing laboratory samples to behave like field samples. This enables accurate density measurements while keeping the testing process simple and controllable in the laboratory.
2Device complexity
If laboratory equipment is used to test foam cement, then testing can be performed in the laboratory, but the equipment is insufficient and inappropriate to simulate elevated temperatures and pressures of field conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The MPT apparatus applies universality by designing a multi-functional device that can perform multiple operations: applying confining pressure, controlling temperature, containing the cement sample, and allowing for density measurements. This single apparatus replaces multiple separate equipment systems, maintaining simplicity while achieving reliable simulation of field conditions through integrated functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The MPT apparatus acts as an intermediary between the laboratory environment and field conditions. It mediates by translating simple laboratory operations into complex field-like conditions (elevated temperature, confining pressure) within the apparatus, then translating the results back for analysis. This intermediary function enables reliable testing without requiring complex external equipment.
3Productivity
If the foam cement is allowed to expand unrestricted in the laboratory, then the testing process is simple, but the expansion behavior and density differ from field conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the testing environment by introducing confining pressure through the MPT apparatus. This parameter change restricts cement expansion to match field conditions, achieving precise density measurements while maintaining testing efficiency. The apparatus automatically maintains these parameters throughout the curing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The MPT apparatus applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the confining pressure and temperature conditions before cement curing begins. This preliminary setup ensures that the cement expands under controlled conditions from the start, eliminating the need for post-testing corrections and maintaining both efficiency and precision throughout the process.
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
Enables the solidification and recovery of test samples under precise volume, temperature, and pressure control, ensuring accurate representation of field conditions and reducing errors in testing results.
Implementation Method 1
an annular external circumferential groove on both ends for use with an elastomer seal, such as an O-ring
Implementation Method 2
the inner tube has a smooth bored inner surface, a tapered outer surface
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a sample testing system of the present invention generally include two internally threaded caps; an externally threaded outer tube having a tapered internal bore and external circumferential grooves proximate each end thereof; an O-ring seated in each groove; and a plurality of inner tube sections cooperatively arranged to form an externally tapered inner tube structure that is disposed within the outer tube; wherein each cap is sealingly attached to an end of the outer tube via threading engagement therewith. Various embodiments utilize at least one closed-ended cap and/or at least one cap having a port extending through an end thereof, which may also incorporate a piston cavity and a piston having two circumferentially disposed O-rings. Embodiments allow for inner tube structure removal and separation of the inner tube sections for cured sample recovery. Embodiments of a method of using the system to cure a sample are also provided.