Rock Sample Moisture Control via Steam Recirculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preparing rock samples with different moisture contents, such as using high-temperature and high-pressure steam, struggle with accurately controlling the moisture content, leading to inaccurate data and significant errors, especially when the internal structure of the rock sample changes slightly.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a sample container, a steam generator, a steam compressor, a pump, a gas-liquid separator, and a measuring instrument, which recirculates water vapor to control moisture content by separating low-temperature water vapor and condensate, compressing it to form high-temperature and high-pressure steam, and measuring the reduction in stored water to calculate the rock sample's moisture content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-temperature and high-pressure steam is used to saturate rock samples, then the saturation speed is improved, but the measurement precision of moisture content deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a measuring instrument continuously monitors the moisture content of rock samples during the steam saturation process. The control system adjusts the steam injection parameters based on real-time measurement data, enabling precise control of moisture content while maintaining fast saturation speed. This closed-loop feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to respond dynamically to actual moisture content levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional empirical mechanical method (weighing samples before and after saturation) with a modern measurement system that directly measures moisture content during the process. This substitution enables continuous monitoring and precise control without disrupting the fast steam saturation process, thereby maintaining high productivity while improving measurement precision.
2Device complexity
If empirical method with specified steam introduction time is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision of moisture content control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-regulating system where the moisture content control is automatically adjusted based on real-time measurements. The control system autonomously regulates steam injection parameters to achieve the desired moisture content without requiring complex manual intervention or calibration procedures. This self-service approach maintains relatively simple device structure while achieving high precision moisture content control.
3Ease of operation
If steam introduction time is controlled empirically, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of moisture content data deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs real-time feedback measurement of moisture content during steam saturation. The control system automatically adjusts steam injection based on measured data, ensuring reliable moisture content control while maintaining ease of operation. The system handles the complexity of precise control automatically, allowing operators to simply initiate the process and obtain reliable results without manual calibration or empirical timing.
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 solution allows for precise control and measurement of the moisture content in rock samples, reducing errors and ensuring accurate data, even when the internal structure of the rock sample changes.
Implementation Method 1
the water vapor in the sample container is pumped into the gas-liquid separator by the pump to separate low-temperature water vapor and condensate
Implementation Method 2
the low-temperature water vapor is compressed by the steam compressor and then forms high-temperature and high-pressure water vapor again
Implementation Method 3
the condensate enters the steam generator to form water vapor again
Implementation Method 4
the temperature control device is used for controlling a temperature inside the sample container so that the temperature inside the sample container is higher than a condensation temperature of the water vapor before the water vapor permeates two ends of the rock sample
Implementation Method 5
a measuring end of the measuring instrument is installed inside the steam generator, and the measuring instrument is used for measuring a reduction of stored water inside the steam generator and further calculating a moisture content of the rock sample
Data Source
AI summary
The present application disclose a device for preparing rock samples with different moisture contents, which comprises a sample container, wherein two ends of the rock sample are respectively connected with a first steam inlet and a first steam outlet of the sample container; the first steam outlet, a pump and a gas-liquid separator are connected in sequence, a gas outlet end of the gas-liquid separator, a steam compressor and the first steam inlet are connected in sequence, and a liquid outlet end of the gas-liquid separator, a steam generator and the steam compressor are connected in sequence. The water vapor in the sample container is pumped into the gas-liquid separator by the pump to separate low-temperature water vapor and condensate, and the low-temperature water vapor and condensate form high-temperature and high-pressure steam again and return to the inside of the sample container. The water in the steam generator always circulates inside the preparation device. The measuring instrument measures the reduction of the water in the steam generator, and subtracts the pre-recorded reduction of the water in the steam generator when the preparation device is idling, so as to obtain the water amount of the rock sample, and then calculate the moisture content of the rock sample.