Tracer Diffusion Device With Inflatable Sealing Capsules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tracer diffusion devices for coal mining face challenges in accurately and efficiently diffusing tracers into specific aquifers due to poor diffusion effects, tracer wastage, and labor-intensive processes, especially when dealing with multiple aquifers and deep burial conditions.
Innovation Solution
A tracer diffusion device comprising a first container for holding a tracer, a second container for a sealing fluid, a drilling pipe with sealing capsules, and unidirectional and bidirectional driving devices to inject and seal the tracer within a target aquifer, preventing cross-interference and allowing precise tracer delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a tracer diffusion device is used to inject tracer into a target aquifer through a borehole, then the diffusion effect is improved, but the tracer may flow out of the borehole with rising water flow causing waste and reducing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible sealing capsule made of elastomeric material that can be inflated to seal the borehole. The capsule expands to contact the borehole walls, creating a tight seal that prevents tracer leakage while allowing the borehole to remain open for injection purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing capsule is inflated using pressurized gas or liquid delivered through a conduit system. This pneumatic/hydraulic mechanism allows the capsule to expand and seal the borehole effectively, preventing tracer loss while maintaining the ability to inject tracer solution into the target aquifer.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple aquifers are targeted by drilling sequentially to different depths, then different tracers can be applied to different aquifers, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single borehole into multiple isolated sections using inflatable sealing capsules positioned at different depths. Each segment can be independently sealed and treated with different tracers, allowing multiple aquifers to be accessed through one borehole without cross-contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds the vertical dimension of depth segmentation by positioning sealing capsules at different elevations within the same borehole. This allows the system to treat multiple aquifers at different depths independently, transforming a single-point injection system into a multi-level treatment system.
3Loss of substance
If a plug is set at the upper end of the water outlet to block the borehole, then tracers are prevented from flowing out, but it is not suitable for multiple aquifers requiring different tracers
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a single plug, the system uses multiple inflatable sealing capsules that can be positioned at different depths within the borehole. Each capsule creates a separate sealed zone, allowing different tracers to be injected into different aquifers through the same borehole without mixing or cross-contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing capsules are designed to be dynamically inflatable and deflatable, allowing them to be deployed only when needed at specific depths. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to different aquifer configurations and tracer injection requirements, providing versatility while maintaining effective containment.
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 device enhances the accuracy and efficiency of tracer diffusion by forming a sealed space within the aquifer, reducing tracer wastage and enabling simultaneous use of a single borehole for multiple aquifers, thus saving time and effort while improving experiment accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the bidirectional driving device is arranged between the second container and the first sealing capsule, for injecting the second fluid from the second container into the first sealing capsule and the second sealing capsule to make the first sealing capsule and the second sealing capsule expand and block the borehole
Implementation Method 2
The unidirectional driving device is arranged on the drilling pipe for injecting the first fluid from the first container into the borehole between the first sealing capsule and the second sealing capsule to diffuse the tracer into the target aquifer
Implementation Method 3
for extracting the second fluid from the first sealing capsule and the second sealing capsule back into the second container to make the first sealing capsule and the second sealing capsule to contract and separate from the borehole
Data Source
AI summary
A tracer diffusion device includes: a first container, a second container, a drilling pipe, a unidirectional driving device, and a bidirectional driving device. The first container holds a first fluid containing a tracer. The second container holds a second fluid. A first end of the drilling pipe is connected to the first container; a second end of the drilling pipe is extended into a borehole and equipped with a first sealing capsule and a second sealing capsule. A plurality of through holes are arranged on the drilling pipe between the first sealing capsule and the second sealing capsule. The unidirectional driving device is arranged on the drilling pipe, for injecting the first fluid from the first container into the borehole between the first sealing capsule and the second sealing capsule. The bidirectional driving device is arranged between the second container and the first sealing capsule.