Rock Sample Flooding with Porous Barrier Saturation Profiling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preparing rock samples with a target initial fluid saturation profile along the rock sample axis are either too quick and result in non-homogeneous saturation or too slow and unreliable, failing to meet exploration requirements.
Innovation Solution
A method involving primary and secondary flooding steps using a rock properties measurement system with specific components like a monolithic porous barrier element and fluid regulation arrangement to achieve a homogeneous fluid saturation profile quickly and accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the rock sample is flooded with second fluid and both fluids are retrieved directly from outlet, then preparation time is reduced, but first fluid saturation profile becomes non-homogeneous and values are not well defined
Solution Approach 1:
A porous barrier element is introduced as an intermediary component between the rock sample outlet and the first fluid retrieval channel. This barrier allows first fluid to pass through while blocking second fluid, enabling selective retrieval that ensures homogeneous saturation profiles without extending preparation time
2Manufacturing precision
If the rock sample is flooded with second fluid and only first fluid is retrieved through porous barrier, then first fluid saturation profile becomes homogenous with reliable values, but preparation time becomes too long
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid retrieval process is segmented into two distinct channels: a first channel for retrieving both first and second fluids directly from the outlet, and a second channel for retrieving only first fluid through the porous barrier. This segmentation allows parallel processing that reduces overall preparation time while maintaining profile homogeneity
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous fluid retrieval through multiple channels simultaneously. The first channel continuously retrieves both fluids while the second channel continuously retrieves first fluid through the porous barrier, eliminating idle time and maintaining continuous productive action throughout the preparation process
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
The method allows for rapid preparation of a rock sample with a homogeneous initial fluid saturation profile that matches the target profile, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of rock property characterization.
Implementation Method 1
a porous barrier element, said first channel being fluidically connected to said outlet face of said rock sample through said porous barrier element
Data Source
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AI summary
This method for preparing a rock sample (28) with a target initial first fluid saturation profile comprises: - providing a rock sample (28) saturated in a first fluid; - primary flooding of the rock sample (28) with a second fluid, comprising: + feeding the second fluid in the rock sample (28) from an inlet face (30), and + retrieving first fluid and/or second fluid from a first open channel (66) directly connected to an outlet face (32); - secondary flooding of the rock sample (28) with the second fluid, comprising: + blocking the first channel (66); + feeding second fluid in the rock sample (28) from the inlet face (30), and + retrieving first fluid from a second channel (68) connected to the outlet face (32) through a porous barrier element (18), the porous barrier element (18) being permeable to the first fluid and impervious to the second fluid.