Grain Density Measurement of Untreated Rock Samples
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for determining grain density of rock samples require chemical cleaning and drying, which can alter the sample and are time-consuming, and struggle to achieve the necessary accuracy for porosity evaluation in geological formations.
Innovation Solution
A method using a gas porosimeter to measure the grain density of untreated rock samples, combined with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to determine the volume of fluid within the solid matrix, allowing for the calculation of grain density of the solid matrix without chemical cleaning, using Boyle's law with inert gases like nitrogen or argon, and T1/T2 measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If chemical cleaning and drying is performed on rock samples, then measurement accuracy can be improved, but sample alteration occurs and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical cleaning methods with a physical measurement approach using a gas porosimeter and NMR. The gas porosimeter measures grain density directly on the as-received sample without chemical treatment, while NMR simultaneously measures fluid volume. This substitution of chemical processes with physical measurement techniques eliminates sample alteration while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters by simultaneously measuring multiple properties (grain density via gas porosimetry and fluid volume via NMR) on the untreated sample. By measuring the as-received grain density and fluid volume separately, then calculating matrix grain density through parameter combination, the method achieves accurate results without chemical cleaning.
2Measurement precision
If chemical cleaning and drying is performed on rock samples, then measurement accuracy can be improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurements on the as-received sample before any chemical treatment. The gas porosimeter measures grain density and the NMR measures fluid volume directly on the untreated sample. This preliminary action eliminates the need for subsequent chemical cleaning steps, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous measurement by simultaneously obtaining grain density and fluid volume data from the untreated sample. The gas porosimeter and NMR measurements are performed on the as-received sample without interruption for chemical cleaning, maintaining continuous useful action and eliminating time loss associated with sample preparation.
3Measurement precision
If conventional methods are used to determine grain density, then measurement can be performed, but sample must be chemically processed which reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two measurement techniques (gas porosimetry and NMR) into a unified methodology that simultaneously determines grain density and fluid volume from the untreated sample. This combination allows calculation of matrix grain density without chemical processing, improving productivity by eliminating the chemical cleaning step while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal measurement approach that works on as-received samples without requiring chemical cleaning. The gas porosimeter provides grain density measurement and NMR provides fluid volume measurement, together enabling matrix grain density determination for various rock types and fluid conditions, enhancing measurement efficiency and versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for determining grain density of a rock sample include identifying an untreated rock sample that includes a solid matrix and a fluid entrained within the solid matrix; measuring, using a gas porosimeter, a grain density of the untreated rock sample; measuring, using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), a volume of the fluid entrained within the solid matrix; and determining, based on the measured grain density of the untreated rock sample and the measured volume of the fluid, a grain density of the solid matrix of the untreated rock sample.