Perforated Sample Sleeve Reactor for Hydrocarbon Expulsion Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing experimental devices for simulating hydrocarbon generation and expulsion in geological conditions fail to accurately replicate the pressure effects and timely discharge of products, leading to discrepancies in experimental results and difficulties in quantifying discharged and retained oil and gas, particularly due to issues with sealing, product retention, and inefficient product separation and collection.
Innovation Solution
A reactor design with a perforated sample sleeve and parallel reaction systems, combined with a pressurization and product separation system, allows for efficient circulation and discharge of products, accurate sealing under high pressure, and precise quantification of hydrocarbon components, including a porous medium element and a product separation and quantification system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional 1D or 2D models are used to simulate hydrocarbon generation, then the model complexity is low and easy to operate, but the simulation accuracy and ability to represent realistic geological structures are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The 3D geological model is segmented into discrete grid cells that can be independently processed and analyzed. Each grid cell contains specific properties (porosity, permeability, thermal conductivity) that can be individually defined and manipulated, allowing complex geological structures to be built from simple modular units while maintaining computational tractability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional 1D or 2D models to a full 3D numerical model, adding spatial dimensionality to capture realistic geological structures. This dimensional expansion enables representation of complex 3D features such as fault blocks, anticlines, and synclines while using systematic grid-based discretization to manage the increased complexity
2Measurement precision
If detailed 3D geological structures are incorporated into the model, then the representation of realistic geological features improves, but the computational resources and time required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The model incorporates pre-defined geological templates and standardized grid structures that can be configured before running simulations. Geological features such as fault blocks, anticlines, and synclines are pre-programmed as configurable elements, allowing rapid model setup without requiring extensive computational resources for structural analysis during the simulation itself
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameterized geological models where key properties (porosity, permeability, thermal conductivity) are defined as functions of depth, position, and geological layer. This parameterization allows the model to adapt to different geological scenarios by simply changing input parameters rather than re-meshing or re-structuring the entire 3D grid, significantly reducing computational setup time
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple physical processes (heat transfer, fluid flow, chemical reactions) are coupled in the simulation, then the comprehensiveness of the hydrocarbon generation simulation improves, but the model complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple physical processes (heat transfer, fluid flow, chemical reactions, stress analysis) into a single integrated 3D numerical model. All these processes are solved simultaneously using a unified finite difference framework, where the governing equations for each process are coupled through shared variables (temperature, pressure, fluid saturation) and solved in an iterative manner, providing comprehensive simulation capability while maintaining a single coherent computational structure
Solution Approach 2:
The numerical model is designed as a universal platform that can simulate various hydrocarbon generation scenarios by activating different physical process modules. The same core 3D grid and solution framework handle thermal conduction, advective heat transfer, Darcy fluid flow, chemical kinetic reactions, and mechanical stress analysis, allowing users to configure different simulation scenarios without requiring separate specialized models for each 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
The device enables simultaneous simulation of multiple samples under varying geological conditions, effectively discharging and quantifying hydrocarbon components, reducing product loss, and enhancing the accuracy of experimental data for oil and gas resource evaluation.
Implementation Method 1
a heating device configured to heat the sedimentary rock layers
Implementation Method 2
an extraction device configured to extract the hydrocarbons from the sedimentary rock layers using a mechanical force
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides an experimental device and method for simulating dynamics of hydrocarbon generation and expulsion in geological process. The experimental device comprises a reaction system. The reaction system comprises a reactor having a sample chamber formed therein for placing a sample, a sample sleeve being arranged within the sample chamber for receiving the sample. The sample sleeve comprises a cylindrical body enclosing the sample in a circumferential direction, an outer side wall of the cylindrical body being in engagement with an inner side wall of the reactor, and the cylindrical body being perforated to form a channel for product circulation between an outer side wall of the sample and the inner side wall of the reactor.