Thermal Oxidation TOC Measurement for Contaminated Source Rocks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Accurate measurement of total organic content (TOC) in source rocks contaminated by oil-based mud during drilling operations is challenging due to contamination, requiring costly and time-consuming pre-processing methods that can introduce additional contaminants and produce chemical waste.
Innovation Solution
A method involving two thermal oxidation processes is used to differentiate between contaminant and native organic content in rock samples, where a rock sample is heated to distinct temperatures to generate carbon oxides, allowing for quick and accurate TOC determination without pre-processing, using a system that provides oxygen and heat to the sample in a controlled chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional solvent extraction methods are used to remove contaminants before TOC measurement, then measurement accuracy can be improved, but the process becomes time-consuming and generates chemical waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameters by using thermal oxidation at controlled temperatures (320-600°C) to selectively oxidize different carbon sources. By controlling the temperature parameters, the method directly measures TOC without time-consuming solvent extraction, resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and processing time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical solvent extraction system with a thermal oxidation system. Instead of using solvents to extract and separate contaminants, the method uses controlled heating and oxygen streams to thermally oxidize contaminants and organic material, eliminating the need for chemical solvents and reducing pre-processing time
2Measurement precision
If solvent extraction is used to remove contaminants, then TOC measurement accuracy can be improved, but chemical waste is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical solvent extraction system with a thermal oxidation system using oxygen streams and controlled heating. This substitution eliminates the need for organic solvents that generate chemical waste, while still achieving accurate TOC measurement through selective thermal oxidation of contaminants at 320-600°C
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses oxygen as a strong oxidant in the thermal oxidation process to completely oxidize contaminants and organic material to carbon dioxide. This accelerated oxidation method eliminates the need for chemical solvents and their associated waste streams, resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and chemical waste generation
3Measurement precision
If rock samples are ground to fine particles for analysis, then measurement accuracy can be improved, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the approach from mechanical size reduction to thermal parameter control. By using controlled thermal oxidation at specific temperature ranges (320-600°C) with oxygen streams, the method achieves accurate TOC measurement without requiring extensive grinding and size reduction, thereby reducing sample preparation complexity while maintaining measurement precision
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 method enables rapid and accurate measurement of native TOC in source rocks, avoiding the need for solvent extraction, reducing chemical waste, and applying to various fluid types, while maintaining the integrity of the organic content analysis.
Implementation Method 1
the rock sample is subjected to a first heating process to thermally oxidize at least a portion of the contaminant and generate a first amount of carbon oxide
Implementation Method 2
the rock sample is subjected to a second heating process to thermally oxidize at least a portion of the organic material and generate a second amount of carbon dioxide
Data Source
AI summary
A stream including oxygen is provided to a rock sample from a subterranean zone. The rock sample is subjected to a first heating process to thermally oxidize at least a portion of the contaminant present in the rock sample. A first level of total organic content (TOC) of the rock sample is determined based on the first heating process. The rock sample is subjected to a second heating process to thermally oxidize at least a portion of the organic material present in the rock sample. A second level of TOC of the rock sample is determined based on the second heating process.