Phase-Changing Alloy Core Holder for Corrosive Fluid Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional core sample holder assemblies using rubber sleeves face challenges in forming reliable seals, require additional infrastructure for confining pressure, and are unsuitable for handling corrosive fluids like supercritical CO2, increasing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A core holder assembly utilizing a non-toxic, phase-changing metal alloy or thermoset material that expands upon solidification to seal the test sample without confining pressure, allowing for the integration of pressure sensors and probes without additional seals, and is compatible with corrosive fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rubber sleeves are used in conventional core holder assemblies, then sealing can be achieved, but additional infrastructure for confining pressure is required and the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The material transitions from a flexible rubber state to a rigid solid state through phase change (melting/freezing), fundamentally altering its mechanical properties. This parameter change enables the material to provide both sealing and structural support, eliminating the need for separate confining pressure infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The core holder utilizes phase-changing materials (such as ice or other materials that transition between solid and liquid states) to achieve sealing. When frozen, the material expands to seal against the core sample and barrel interface, providing reliable sealing without requiring additional confining pressure equipment
2Reliability
If rubber sleeves are used in conventional core holder assemblies, then sealing can be formed, but the system requires additional seals for pressure sensors and probes
Solution Approach 1:
The phase-changing material serves multiple functions simultaneously: it seals the interface between the core sample and barrel, provides structural support, and creates integrated seal paths for pressure sensors and probes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate seals at each penetration point
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional rubber sleeve assemblies are used, then the setup is established, but the system is unsuitable for handling corrosive fluids like supercritical CO2
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a composite structure where the phase-changing material (such as frozen water or specialized alloys) forms a chemically inert barrier that is compatible with corrosive fluids like supercritical CO2, while the outer barrel and internal components can be selected for mechanical strength and temperature resistance
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
Simplifies the experimental setup, reduces complexity and cost, and ensures reliable sealing and compatibility with corrosive fluids, enhancing the reliability and versatility of core flooding experiments.
Implementation Method 1
A core holder assembly utilizing a non-toxic, phase-changing metal alloy or thermoset material that expands upon solidification to seal the test sample without confining pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A core holder assembly (100) for holding a test sample (200) including a consolidated porous medium includes an outer barrel including a central passage defined by an inner surface, a confining solid positioned in the central passage of the outer barrel, wherein the confining solid includes an outer surface sealed against the inner surface of the outer barrel and an inner surface, wherein the confining solid includes a rigid, lead-free material, and the test sample positioned within the confining solid, wherein the inner surface of the confining solid is sealed against an outer surface of the test sample.