Vapor Extraction Core Sample Cleaning System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional core sample cleaning methods for oil and gas extraction are inefficient, pose health and safety risks due to hazardous solvents, and often require additional considerations for different sample types, limiting the number of samples that can be cleaned per cycle and exposing workers to solvent fumes.
Innovation Solution
A vapor extraction-based cleaning system that uses a vapor extraction chamber with a heater and chiller to vaporize solvents, allowing for efficient removal of contaminants without direct contact with liquid solvents, and a drying subsystem to completely remove solvents from the core samples, increasing the number of samples cleaned per cycle and reducing exposure to hazardous substances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional cleaning methods (Soxhlet extraction, flow through cleaning, centrifuge flushing) are used, then core samples can be cleaned, but the number of samples that can be cleaned per cycle is limited and cleaning time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state of the cleaning solvent from liquid to vapor phase. By heating the solvent to its boiling point and introducing the vapor into the cleaning chamber, the system achieves faster penetration into core samples and more efficient contaminant removal, thereby increasing productivity and reducing cleaning time compared to conventional liquid-based methods
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes phase transition of the cleaning solvent from liquid to vapor and back to liquid. The solvent is heated to vaporize it, the vapor contacts the core samples to dissolve contaminants, then the vapor condenses back to liquid and is collected. This phase transition mechanism enables faster cleaning cycles and higher throughput compared to conventional methods
2Object-affected harmful factors
If liquid solvents are used in conventional extraction methods, then core samples can be cleaned, but workers are exposed to hazardous solvents and solvent fumes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses vapor-phase cleaning where the solvent transitions to vapor, contacts the core samples, then condenses and is collected and reused. This closed-loop vapor-phase system minimizes solvent emissions and worker exposure while maintaining effective cleaning capability, addressing both safety and solvent quantity concerns
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a vaporization chamber as an intermediary between the liquid solvent and the core samples. The solvent is vaporized in this intermediate chamber before contacting the samples, and the vapor is then condensed and collected. This intermediary system prevents direct worker contact with liquid solvents and contains fumes, reducing hazardous exposure
3Productivity
If hot solvent extraction is used, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but wettability of samples may alter during the extraction process
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses vapor-phase extraction where the solvent is heated to vaporize it for effective contaminant removal, then the vapor is condensed and the samples are cooled before removal. This controlled phase transition process maintains cleaning efficiency while preventing permanent alteration of sample wettability by controlling the thermal exposure and enabling proper cooling before sample handling
4Quantity of substance
If immersion-type process (Soxhlet extraction) is used, then core samples can be cleaned, but cross-contamination occurs because leached formation fluid and other contaminants accumulate in the solvents
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a vaporization chamber as an intermediary that separates the solvent from direct contact with core samples. The solvent is vaporized, the vapor contacts the samples to dissolve contaminants, then the vapor condenses and is collected. This intermediary vapor-phase system prevents contaminant accumulation in the solvent and eliminates cross-contamination between samples
Solution Approach 2:
By using vapor-phase extraction followed by condensation, the system allows the cleaning solvent to effectively dissolve and remove contaminants without the solvent directly contacting and becoming contaminated by formation fluids. The phase transition mechanism enables repeated use of the same solvent without cross-contamination, maintaining both solvent capacity and sample purity
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 system achieves higher contaminant removal efficiency, reduces cleaning time, and minimizes worker exposure to hazardous chemicals, while preventing cross-contamination and altering the wettability of samples, enabling the cleaning of multiple core samples efficiently and safely.
Implementation Method 1
a heater configured to provide heat to the vapor extraction chamber to heat and vaporize at least a part of the liquid solvents
Implementation Method 2
a vapor extraction chamber chiller
Implementation Method 3
The lid may be configured to seal the vapor extraction chamber to contain the heated and vaporized solvents in the vapor extraction chamber without a leakage and maintain a positive pressure in the vapor extraction chamber
Implementation Method 4
a drying subsystem to completely remove solvents from the core samples
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning system for oil and gas core samples includes a vapor extraction chamber configured to receive and drain liquid solvents, a movable portion including a movable tray, a lid and a sample cooler, a heater configured to provide heat to the chamber to produce heated and vaporized solvents, a vapor extraction chamber chiller, a controller, and a dryer. A method of cleaning oil and gas core samples includes a vapor extraction step and a drying step. The vapor extraction step includes transferring core samples into and sealing the vapor extraction chamber, heating liquid solvents and maintaining an elevated temperature and a positive pressure in the chamber until an extraction time expires, cooling and transferring the core samples out of the chamber. The drying step includes transferring the cleaned core samples into a dryer, drying the core samples until substantially free of solvents, and cooling the core samples.