Miniaturized NMR Analyzer for Drill Cuttings Using Segmented Halbach Magnets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional low-field NMR analyzers are inefficient for analyzing drill cuttings from unconventional reservoir rocks due to poor signal-to-noise ratio, high costs, and limited sample handling capabilities, particularly in tight reservoirs like black shale plays, where submicron pore sizes require shorter proton NMR relaxation time detection and higher magnetic field strengths.
Innovation Solution
A miniaturized nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) sample analyzer comprising multiple NMR units with integrated miniaturized transceivers and a Halbach cylinder magnet generating a highly homogeneous magnetic field within a small volume, allowing for simultaneous analysis of multiple samples and operation in laboratory or wellsite conditions, with a magnet design that confines the magnetic field within the magnet, enabling faster and cost-effective mass measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional low-field NMR analyzers are used for analyzing drill cuttings, then the system cost and magnet size are reduced, but the signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates and measurement precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple independent NMR measurement units (first, second, and third units), each with its own magnet and measurement chamber. This segmentation allows each unit to use smaller, lower-cost magnets while collectively providing comprehensive measurement capabilities through parallel operation, resolving the contradiction between reduced system cost and maintained measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple NMR measurement units are combined into a single integrated system that shares common control electronics, data processing, and sample handling infrastructure. This merging allows the system to achieve high measurement precision through multiple simultaneous measurements while keeping overall system cost lower than operating separate high-field instruments.
2Measurement precision
If conventional NMR core analyzers are built to accommodate typical core plug sizes (1-4 inches diameter), then the magnet size and system cost increase, but the measurement capability for conventional reservoir rocks is adequate
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement capability for conventional reservoir rocks is achieved through multiple segmented measurement units rather than a single large magnet. Each unit uses a smaller magnet appropriate for its measurement chamber, and the collective data from multiple units provides comprehensive characterization equivalent to or better than a single large-system measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single large measurement volume to multiple smaller measurement volumes arranged in different spatial configurations. This dimensional change allows using smaller magnets in each unit while collectively covering the measurement needs of conventional core plugs through multiple measurements at different positions and orientations.
3Productivity
If multiple NMR units are arrayed to enable simultaneous analysis of multiple samples, then the productivity increases and turnaround time decreases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into multiple independent measurement units that can operate simultaneously on different samples. Each unit is a self-contained module with its own magnet and measurement chamber, allowing parallel processing of multiple samples thereby increasing productivity while maintaining manageable individual unit complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple measurement units share common control electronics, data processing systems, and sample handling infrastructure. This multi-functionality allows the system to process multiple samples simultaneously while avoiding the complexity of duplicating all system components, as the shared infrastructure performs multiple functions across different measurement units.
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 miniaturized NMR system provides faster turnaround times and cost-effective analysis of drill cuttings from unconventional reservoirs by enhancing signal detection and reducing electronics deadtime, suitable for submicron pore sizes and short proton NMR relaxation times, while maintaining a low-cost and efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet surrounding the RF transmitting and receiving device and sample chamber for generating a substantially uniform magnetic field within the sensitive volume
Implementation Method 2
a radio frequency (RF) transmitting and receiving device proximal the sample chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) sample analyzer has a plurality of NMR units arrayed in a predetermined relationship to each other. Each of the NMR units includes a sample chamber having a sensitive volume for containing a sample to be analyzed; a radio frequency (RF) transmitting and receiving device proximal the sample chamber; and a magnet surrounding the RF transmitting and receiving device and sample chamber for generating a substantially uniform magnetic field within the sensitive volume and substantially no magnetic field beyond an outside wall of the magnet.