Rarefied Piezometric Uptake Apparatus for Large Solid Samples
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring gaseous uptake in solid samples, particularly geologic samples, are limited by the need for extensive and destructive sample preparation, making it difficult to accurately predict gas migration through geologic features and gas reservoir capacities, especially for noble gas radionuclides which are chemically inert and have substantial interactions with solid surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A rarefied piezometric uptake apparatus and method that allows for the measurement of gaseous uptake with minimal sample preparation and large sample sizes, using a dosing chamber and uptake chamber in selective fluid communication, with a vacuum source to induce rarefied flow in sample pores and a pressure measurement device to determine uptake properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a BET surface area analyzer is used for piezometric uptake measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but the sample size is limited to small quantities requiring extensive preparation
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus divides the measurement system into separate functional chambers: a dosing chamber for gas introduction and a measurement chamber for sample placement. This segmentation allows the sample to be isolated and measured without requiring small grain sizes, enabling use of larger, heterogeneous geologic samples while maintaining measurement precision through controlled gas dosing and pressure measurement in the separated chambers.
2Productivity
If small and/or crushed samples are used to reach equilibrium rapidly, then measurement speed is improved, but the representative elementary volume is insufficient for heterogeneous materials
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts measurement conditions by controlling gas pressure and flow rates through the dosing chamber. This dynamic control allows equilibrium to be reached at appropriate speeds for heterogeneous samples without requiring crushing, while the larger sample volume in the measurement chamber ensures representativeness. The dynamic pressure control compensates for the slower diffusion rates in larger, intact samples.
3Adaptability or versatility
If extensive sampling and sample preparation (cutting, crushing, grinding) is performed, then the sample can be adapted for small-scale analysis, but the internal structure integrity is compromised and pores may become accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus performs preliminary outgassing of the sample in the measurement chamber before introducing the working gas. This preliminary action removes adsorbed gases and prepares the sample without any mechanical preparation, preserving the internal structure. The system then proceeds with measurement on the intact sample, eliminating the need for cutting, crushing, or grinding that would alter pore accessibility and sample integrity.
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
Enables the determination of uptake properties in solid samples with little to no sample preparation, allowing for greater accuracy in predicting gas movements within geologic features and identifying rock samples, while maintaining the integrity of the sample's internal structure.
Implementation Method 1
A vacuum source is arranged and disposed to draw a vacuum on the dosing chamber and uptake chamber sufficient to induce rarefied flow in the sample pores
Implementation Method 2
A pressure measurement device is arranged and disposed to measure a pressure in the dosing chamber
Implementation Method 3
noble gas radionuclide tracers suggest other gas tracer properties in geologic features, in addition to diffusivity, may alter the movement and ultimate breakthrough time and dilution of the gas from the geologic containment. Despite their chemical inertness, noble gas tracers nevertheless can have substantial interactions with solid surfaces through adsorption
Data Source
AI summary
A rarefied piezometric uptake apparatus and method for measuring gaseous uptake for large solid samples with little or no sample preparation. Past systems and methods require extensive sample preparation. The method includes providing a rarefied piezometric uptake apparatus having a dosing chamber and uptake chamber in an improved selective fluid communication. The apparatus and method improve the measurement of gaseous uptake into solid samples resulting in improved prediction of gas migration through solid samples such as geologic formations.