Petroleum Coke Classification via NMR T2 Relaxation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the morphology of petroleum coke are inaccurate and time-consuming, particularly in distinguishing between types like sponge, shot, and dense coke, which affects commercial contracts and industrial usage.
Innovation Solution
The use of hydrogen NMR measurements to quantify moisture content and saturate coke samples with an NMR active fluid for classification, employing Carr-Purcell-Meilboom-Gill and Inversion Recovery sequences to measure T2 relaxation decay and porosity, allowing for rapid identification of coke types based on log mean T2 values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing testing methods are used to determine coke morphology, then testing can be performed, but accuracy is questionable and testing duration is lengthy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/optical microscopy methods with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to determine coke morphology. The NMR method measures T2 relaxation times of hydrogen nuclei in the coke sample, providing rapid and accurate morphological classification without the time-consuming visual inspection procedures of conventional methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from visual/morphological assessment to NMR T2 relaxation time measurement. By saturating the coke sample with water and measuring the T2 distribution, the method transforms the morphology determination into a quantitative measurement of relaxation times, which correlates with coke structure and enables rapid classification
2Measurement precision
If larger samples are used to increase testing accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but testing duration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional approach of using larger physical samples with NMR spectroscopy, which can obtain sufficient signal from small samples through the saturation and relaxation measurement process. This substitution eliminates the need to increase sample size to improve accuracy, as the NMR method provides high precision with minimal sample requirements
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 method provides accurate and rapid classification of petroleum coke morphologies, enabling precise determination of coke types, including sponge, shot, and dense coke, reducing testing duration and improving industrial process efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
hydrogen NMR measurements of a coke sample to measure the amount of hydrogen present in the sample
Implementation Method 2
measuring the log mean T2 log with a low field NMR instrument
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining the identity of a petroleum coke sample including obtaining a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurement of the sample, determining a relaxation decay value of a fluid in the sample from the NMR measurement, comparing the relaxation decay value to relaxation decay values of known petroleum coke materials in a reference group to determine whether the petroleum coke is one of the known materials.