Rock Sample Geologic Property Determination via Centrifugal Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining geologic properties of rock samples, such as porosity and density, are inefficient and often require chemical cleaning, which can alter the sample and is time-consuming, especially when dealing with rock samples from subterranean formations that have entrained fluids.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that combines nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements with gas porosimetry and mercury immersion porosimetry to accurately determine bulk density, grain density, and porosity of rock samples without chemical cleaning, using a processed rock sample that includes a solid matrix and entrained fluid, allowing for precise measurement of fluid volume and density within the matrix.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If chemical cleaning is used to process rock samples, then measurement accuracy is improved, but time consumption increases and sample integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fluid from the rock sample using centrifugal force through high-speed rotation, separating the fluid component from the solid matrix without requiring chemical cleaning. This extraction method achieves accurate fluid volume measurement while avoiding the time-consuming and chemically-altering conventional cleaning processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical cleaning system with a mechanical centrifugal separation system. By using centrifugal force to separate and extract fluids from rock samples, the method eliminates the need for chemical solvents and cleaning procedures, thereby reducing time consumption and preserving sample integrity
2Measurement precision
If chemical cleaning is used to process rock samples, then measurement accuracy is improved, but sample integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts fluids from rock samples using centrifugal separation, removing the fluid component physically without chemical alteration. This maintains the original composition and integrity of the solid rock matrix while still enabling accurate measurement of fluid properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an inert centrifugal field environment to separate fluids from rock samples, avoiding exposure to chemical solvents that could alter sample composition. The mechanical separation in a controlled environment preserves the natural state and integrity of the rock sample
3Measurement precision
If multiple measurement techniques are combined, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines fluid volume measurement via centrifugal extraction with mass measurement in an integrated system. The fluid extracted from the rock sample is directly weighed in the same apparatus, merging separation and measurement functions to achieve high precision without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a multi-functional apparatus that can perform centrifugal separation, fluid extraction, and mass measurement within a single device. This universal instrument handles multiple measurement tasks (fluid volume, rock mass, density calculations) without requiring separate specialized equipment for each function
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 accurate determination of geologic properties without chemical alteration, saving time and avoiding the need for chemical cleaning, thereby providing more reliable data on rock samples that have not been chemically treated or completely dried.
Implementation Method 1
measuring, using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), a volume of the fluid entrained within the solid matrix
Implementation Method 2
measuring the volume of the solid matrix of the processed rock sample using the gas porosimeter using a Boyle's law technique with an inert gas
Implementation Method 3
The apparatus includes a centrifugal separation device configured to separate the fluid from the rock sample by moving the fluid from the solid matrix to an exterior of the solid matrix
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for determining a geologic property of a rock sample include (i) measuring a mass of a processed rock sample that includes a solid matrix and a fluid entrained within the solid matrix; (ii) measuring, using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), a volume of the fluid entrained within the solid matrix; (iii) measuring, using a gas porosimeter, a volume of the solid matrix of the processed rock sample; (iv) measuring, with a mercury immersion porosimeter, a bulk volume of the processed rock sample; and (v) determining, based at least on the measured volume of the fluid, the measured volume of the solid matrix, and the measured bulk volume, at least one of a bulk density, a grain density, or a porosity of the processed rock sample.