Reservoir-Condition Reactor for Biological Material Compatibility Testing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies lack effective methods to evaluate the interactions between biological materials and reservoir conditions in oil and gas operations, which are crucial for sustainable solutions in hydrocarbon extraction and processing.
Innovation Solution
A laboratory-scale system mimicking reservoir conditions is used to test biological materials with source rock samples, incorporating advanced sensors and high-speed cameras to monitor interactions and compatibility, allowing real-time evaluation of biochemical processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional evaluation methods are used for biological materials, then the evaluation process is simple, but the accuracy and reliability of assessing interactions under reservoir conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a laboratory-scale replica system that copies the essential features of a subsurface reservoir (pressure, temperature, rock formations, fluid flow) to evaluate biological materials. This allows accurate assessment of material-performance under reservoir conditions without requiring actual field deployment, thereby improving measurement precision while keeping the evaluation contained in a controlled laboratory setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary laboratory-scale system that mediates between conventional evaluation methods and actual reservoir conditions. This intermediate platform allows researchers to test biological materials in a controlled environment that mimics reservoir conditions, providing more accurate data than conventional methods while avoiding the complexity and risks of direct field testing.
2Reliability
If bio-based materials are selected without compatibility testing, then the selection process is faster, but the reliability and performance under reservoir conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary compatibility testing of biological materials under simulated reservoir conditions before actual field deployment. By conducting these evaluations in advance using the laboratory-scale system, the patent ensures material reliability and performance while minimizing the time loss associated with field testing and potential material failures during operations.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional petroleum-based materials are used, then the availability and established performance are high, but the environmental impact and sustainability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of material composition from petroleum-based to bio-based materials. By using the laboratory-scale evaluation system to assess these alternative materials under reservoir conditions, the patent enables the transition to more environmentally friendly options while ensuring they meet the necessary performance and reliability requirements through rigorous testing.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for evaluating biological materials at reservoir conditions include a reactor housing and a plurality of test columns having source rock sample holders. The plurality of test columns is disposed within the reactor housing. A pump is fluidly coupled to the reactor housing. A heating element is coupled to the reactor housing; and one or more sensors are coupled to the test columns configured to measure properties of biomaterials or biochemical interactions in the rock samples.