Rock Property Determination via Brazilian Test
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods require multiple tests and equipment to determine rock tensile and elastic properties, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, especially for reservoir characterization and modeling applications.
Innovation Solution
A single test method using a Brazilian test with a compressive load and strain gauges to measure both tensile strength and elastic properties like Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio, incorporating a load cell and control system to calculate these properties based on incremental compressive loads and strains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple separate tests are conducted to determine rock tensile strength and elastic properties, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple rock property measurements (tensile strength, Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio) into a single Brazilian test procedure. By simultaneously measuring both radial and axial strains during one compressive loading test, the method eliminates the need for separate tensile and elastic property tests, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through comprehensive strain gauge instrumentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The Brazilian test apparatus is made multi-functional by configuring it to determine multiple rock properties (tensile strength and elastic properties) from a single test. The universal approach uses the same compressive loading setup and strain measurement system to extract various mechanical properties through different calculation methods, making the equipment versatile rather than requiring specialized devices for each property type.
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate tests are conducted to determine rock tensile strength and elastic properties, then measurement precision is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple testing procedures into a single Brazilian test by simultaneously measuring radial and axial strains during one continuous compressive loading process. This combination allows determination of tensile strength, Young's modulus, and Poisson's ratio in one test run, reducing the total time required compared to conducting separate tests for each property while maintaining accuracy through comprehensive data collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing method maintains continuous useful action by performing all strain measurements during a single uninterrupted compressive loading sequence. Rather than stopping between different property measurements, the system continuously records radial and axial strains throughout the entire test, maximizing the utilization of each loading increment to extract multiple properties without time loss between test setups.
3Productivity
If radial and axial strains are measured simultaneously during compressive loading, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The strain measurement system is designed with universality by using the same type of strain gauges for both radial and axial measurements. This multi-functional approach allows a single instrumentation setup to capture multiple strain components, improving productivity by enabling simultaneous determination of multiple properties without requiring separate specialized measurement systems for each property type.
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 approach allows for the determination of tensile strength, Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, and other properties in a single test, reducing the need for multiple core samples and equipment, making it more practical and efficient for rock property analysis.
Implementation Method 1
measuring, with a strain gauge, a strain on the rock sample during the compressive loading
Implementation Method 2
exerting a compressive load with a test apparatus across a rock sample
Implementation Method 3
a compressive test of a disc-shaped rock sample with known geometries
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for determining rock properties include exerting a compressive load with a test apparatus across a rock sample that includes a specified length-to-diameter ratio; measuring, with a strain gauge, a strain on the rock sample during the compressive loading; determining, based at least in part on the compressive load, a mechanical property of the rock sample; and determining, based at least in part on the measured strain and the compressive load, an elastic property of the rock sample.