Simulated Hydrate Seismic Test Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current experimental simulation methods for natural gas hydrates are ineffective due to the fragility and high cost of obtaining hydrate rock cores, which are necessary for physical seismic simulation, and there is a discrepancy between seismic exploration and experimental simulation results.
Innovation Solution
A physical seismic simulation test apparatus and method that generates simulated hydrates using a temperature-adjustable cryogenic box, pressure kettle, and methane gas supply, emitting ultrasonic waves to analyze reflected wave fields and monitor saturation levels, allowing for the correlation of reflection characteristics and acoustic wave velocity changes with hydrate saturation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If natural gas hydrate rock cores are used for physical seismic experimental simulation, then measurement precision can be improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to difficulty in obtaining and handling fragile cores
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates artificial hydrate-bearing physical models that replicate the seismic response characteristics of natural hydrate rock cores. Instead of using actual fragile hydrate cores, the invention synthesizes models with equivalent acoustic wave impedance properties, thereby achieving the same measurement precision without the handling and acquisition complexities of natural cores
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs artificial hydrate models that can be easily manufactured and disposed of, replacing expensive and fragile natural hydrate rock cores. These artificial models achieve the necessary measurement precision for seismic simulation while eliminating the high cost and complexity associated with obtaining and preserving natural hydrate samples
2Ease of operation
If acoustic wave pulse transmission method is used in experimental simulation, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to discrepancy with actual offshore seismic exploration results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from acoustic wave pulse transmission to reflected wave field simulation by changing key experimental parameters including wave type (from transmitted to reflected), measurement approach (from direct transmission to reflection coefficient analysis), and data processing methods. This parameter change aligns the experimental simulation with actual offshore seismic exploration techniques, improving measurement precision while maintaining operational feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using the conventional acoustic wave pulse transmission method, the patent inverts the approach by implementing reflected wave field simulation. This inversion involves reversing the wave propagation direction analysis, focusing on reflected waves rather than transmitted waves, and thereby achieving results that match actual offshore seismic exploration while preserving ease of operation
3Device complexity
If reflected wave field simulation is carried out by numerical simulation, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to lack of effective experimental simulation methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces artificial hydrate-bearing physical models as an intermediary between numerical simulation and natural hydrate rock core experiments. These models serve as a tangible experimental medium that validates numerical simulations, thereby improving reliability while avoiding the complexity of handling natural hydrate cores. The artificial models act as a bridge that provides experimental verification without the drawbacks of direct natural core usage
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
Enables the acquisition of reflection characteristics and acoustic wave velocity changes in hydrate formations, providing essential data for interpreting offshore seismic exploration and estimating hydrate saturation, thus guiding offshore gas hydrate exploration and saturation estimation.
Implementation Method 1
the reflected acoustic wave test device is configured to continuously emit ultrasonic waves to the simulated hydrates in the generation process, process the received reflected waves to identify and extract reflection characteristic information
Implementation Method 2
emit ultrasonic waves to the simulated hydrates... process the received reflected waves
Implementation Method 3
the hydrate preparation device is configured to generate simulated hydrates... a temperature-adjustable cryogenic box, a pressure kettle
Implementation Method 4
temperature-adjustable cryogenic box
Implementation Method 5
acoustic wave velocity change information... obtain a corresponding relationship between the reflection characteristic information and acoustic wave velocity change information and the degree of saturation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention belongs to the field of geophysical exploration, and discloses physical seismic simulation test apparatus and method based on reflected wave field for a hydrate formation. The apparatus comprises a hydrate preparation device and a reflected acoustic wave test device, wherein the hydrate preparation device is configured to generate simulated hydrates, and the reflected acoustic wave test device is configured to continuously emit ultrasonic waves to the simulated hydrates in the generation process, process the received reflected waves to identify and extract reflection characteristic information and acoustic wave velocity change information, and continuously monitor the degree of saturation of the simulated hydrates at the same time to obtain a corresponding relationship between the reflection characteristic information and acoustic wave velocity change information and the degree of saturation of the simulated hydrates. The apparatus and method provided by the present invention obtain the reflection characteristics of a hydrate formation and acoustic wave velocity change by acquiring the reflected wave field of the hydrate formation, thereby obtain the relationship with the degree of saturation of the hydrates, and have important guiding significance for interpretation of the offshore seismic exploration data of natural gas hydrates and estimation of the degree of saturation of natural gas hydrates.