Wire Saw Core Extraction for Intact Sidewall Core Bullets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for extracting subterranean core samples from percussion side wall core bullets often result in core deformation and chemical contamination, limiting the accuracy of subsequent analysis to qualitative measurements due to the push and/or press techniques used.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using a wire saw to cut the core from the bullet, either by pushing a wire through the core or drilling a hole, and then attaching it to a locking mechanism to minimize damage and contamination, allowing for precise extraction and analysis using digital tomographic descriptions and direct numerical simulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If push and/or press techniques are used to extract core samples from percussion side wall core bullets, then the extraction process is simple and quick, but the core samples suffer from deformation and chemical contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional push/press mechanical extraction system with a wire saw cutting system. The wire saw mechanically cuts through the core sample and bullet material, allowing for precise separation without applying compressive forces that cause deformation. This substitution of mechanical action (cutting vs. pushing) resolves the contradiction by maintaining operational feasibility while preserving core sample integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire saw acts as an intermediary tool between the extraction system and the core sample. Instead of directly pushing or pressing the core out of the bullet, the wire saw introduces a cutting interface that separates the core from the bullet material. This intermediary cutting mechanism prevents direct mechanical contact that would cause deformation and contamination, while still enabling complete extraction.
2Device complexity
If push and/or press techniques are used to extract core samples, then equipment complexity is low, but core samples become contaminated and deformed limiting analysis accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the simple push/press mechanical system with a wire saw cutting system. While the wire saw equipment is somewhat more complex than a simple pushing tool, it eliminates the harmful mechanical forces that compromise measurement precision. The cutting mechanism allows for contamination-free extraction, enabling accurate petrophysical and hydrodynamic property measurements that would be impossible with deformed or contaminated samples.
3Manufacturing precision
If wire saw cutting method is used to extract core samples, then core sample integrity is preserved, but the extraction process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The wire saw cutting process segments the extraction operation into distinct phases: cutting through the bullet material, separating the core from the bullet, and recovering the intact core. This segmentation allows for controlled, precise extraction while managing complexity through systematic process steps. The cutting action is divided into manageable stages rather than requiring a single complex extraction motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire saw system is designed to be self-contained, with the wire saw blade performing multiple functions (cutting through bullet material, separating core, and enabling recovery). The system serves itself by using the cutting action to simultaneously achieve separation and preservation of core integrity, reducing the need for additional complex equipment or manual intervention steps.
4Reliability
If wire saw cutting method is used to extract core samples, then contamination and damage are minimized, but extraction time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wire saw cutting process performs preliminary separation of the core from the bullet material before final recovery. By cutting through the bullet material and creating a clean separation interface in advance, the actual core extraction becomes a simple removal operation. This preliminary cutting action preserves core quality while reducing the time required for the final extraction step, as the core is already freed from the bullet matrix.
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 approach reduces the risk of core damage and contamination, enabling more accurate petrophysical and hydrodynamic property determination through computed microtomography and direct numerical simulations, providing higher quality data for rock formation analysis.
Implementation Method 1
pushing a free end of a wire of a wire saw through the core
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments relate generally to methods for extracting a core (114) from a percussion side wall core bullet (100) for a digital tomographic description and direct numerical simulations. A method for extracting a core (114) from a percussion side wall core bullet (100) for a digital tomographic description and direct numerical simulations includes pushing a free end (112) of a wire (110) of a wire saw (108) through the core (114). The core (114) is positioned within the percussion side wall core bullet (100). In addition, the method includes attaching the free end (112) to a locking mechanism (113) of the wire saw (108). Further, the method includes cutting the core (114) from the percussion side wall core bullet (100). The method also includes removing the core (114) from the percussion side wall core bullet (100).