Nested Pressure Chamber Triaxial Testing Machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rock mechanics triaxial testing systems are inefficient due to complex operations, long test times, and low efficiency, particularly in field applications like shale gas exploration where rock samples deteriorate quickly.
Innovation Solution
A rock mechanics triaxial testing machine with a nested pressure chamber structure, featuring an inner pressure chamber within an outer chamber, allows for quick sample mounting and efficient testing by using axial and radial deformation sensors and a lifting mechanism to facilitate sample handling and confining pressure application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional single pressure chamber structure is used, then the device structure is simple, but the sample mounting time is long and test efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested pressure chamber structure where an inner pressure chamber is placed inside an outer pressure chamber. The inner chamber contains the rock sample and axial pressure loading system, while the outer chamber provides radial confining pressure. This nesting allows independent mounting of samples in the inner chamber without affecting the outer chamber, significantly reducing sample mounting time and improving test efficiency while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure chamber system is segmented into two independent functional chambers: the inner pressure chamber for axial loading and sample containment, and the outer pressure chamber for radial confining pressure. This segmentation allows simultaneous independent operation of both chambers, enabling quick sample changes in the inner chamber while the outer chamber maintains confining pressure, thereby improving productivity without excessive complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the testing system is located indoors far from sampling site, then the testing environment is controlled, but the operation is complex and test time is long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lifting mechanism that can dynamically adjust the position of the inner pressure chamber vertically. This dynamic positioning allows the inner chamber to be easily raised or lowered for sample mounting and removal, significantly improving operation convenience and reducing the time required for sample changes, thereby addressing the trade-off between ease of operation and test time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting mechanism acts as an intermediary device between the operator and the inner pressure chamber, facilitating easy sample mounting and removal operations. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the complex manual operations previously required, making the testing system easier to operate and reducing the time lost during sample changes.
3Reliability
If rock sample is transported from sampling site to laboratory, then the testing can be conducted with standard equipment, but the sample undergoes structural collapse and failure within one to two days
Solution Approach 1:
The nested dual-chamber structure allows the inner pressure chamber to be sealed and pre-loaded with samples at the sampling site. The outer chamber can then be sealed around it, creating a self-contained pressurized system that maintains sample integrity during transport. This nesting enables the sample to remain in its loading configuration throughout transport, preserving structural integrity for over one to two days as required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows preliminary mounting and pre-loading of samples in the inner pressure chamber before transport. By completing sample preparation and initial loading in advance at the sampling site, the sample is sealed in its test configuration before leaving the site, preventing structural collapse during transport and extending the usable duration of the sample.
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 design significantly reduces sample mounting time, improves test efficiency by over 50%, and enables miniaturization of the testing system, making it more suitable for field applications.
Implementation Method 1
a lifting mechanism, which is configured to drive the inner pressure chamber to rise and fall
Implementation Method 2
an axial pressure driving member, the axial pressure driving member is configured to drive the upper pressure head and lower pressure head to approach each other for squeezing the rock sample
Implementation Method 3
an axial deformation sensor for detecting axial compressed deformation of the rock sample; a radial deformation sensor for detecting radial expansive deformation of the rock sample
Data Source
AI summary
A rock mechanics triaxial testing machine includes an outer pressure chamber and an inner pressure chamber located inside the outer pressure chamber, and a side wall of the inner pressure chamber is provided with a communication hole communicating with the outer pressure chamber; an upper pressure head and a lower pressure head which may be placed inside the inner pressure chamber; an axial pressure driving member, the axial pressure driving member may drive the upper pressure head and lower pressure head to approach each other to squeeze the rock sample; an axial deformation sensor, a radial deformation sensor, a lifting mechanism, the lifting mechanism may drive the inner pressure chamber to rise and fall. In the rock mechanics triaxial testing machine, the inner pressure chamber and the outer pressure chamber are nested indoors and outdoors, and the inner pressure chamber is used to quickly mount rock test samples.