X-ray Transparent Core Holder for Downhole Reservoir Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current coring tools fail to preserve the in-situ conditions of core samples during extraction and analysis, leading to inaccurate data on reservoir properties and fluid compositions.
Innovation Solution
A core holder system with an x-ray transparent outer body, internal sleeve, and end caps that allows for pressurized storage and testing of core samples, enabling analysis under original reservoir pressure conditions and facilitating high-resolution imaging and fluid analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If core samples are extracted from downhole formations using conventional coring tools, then core samples can be obtained for analysis, but the in-situ conditions (pressure, temperature, fluid composition) are not preserved leading to inaccurate data
Solution Approach 1:
The core sample is nested within an inner sleeve that is itself nested within an outer body, creating a nested containment structure. This multi-layer nesting preserves the core sample while allowing the outer body to be made of x-ray transparent material for imaging, and maintains in-situ pressure conditions through the sealed containment system.
Solution Approach 2:
The end cap acts as an intermediary component that seals between the inner sleeve and outer body, creating a sealed chamber that maintains in-situ pressure conditions. The end cap with integrated valve mechanism mediates between the need to seal the core sample and the need to allow controlled fluid injection/withdrawal for testing.
2Ease of operation
If conventional core holders are used for storage and testing, then core samples can be stored, but x-ray imaging and high-resolution scanning cannot be performed due to opaque materials
Solution Approach 1:
The outer body is specifically designed with x-ray transparent material properties in the regions where imaging is required, while other components (inner sleeve, end caps, valve mechanisms) use conventional materials optimized for their specific functions of containment and sealing. This local differentiation of material properties enables both imaging capability and functional integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer body serves multiple functions: it provides structural containment for the core sample, maintains pressure conditions, and enables x-ray imaging due to its transparent material composition. The integrated end cap with valve also performs multiple functions of sealing and controlled fluid management.
3Reliability
If sealed containment is used to preserve in-situ pressure conditions, then core sample integrity is maintained, but ports and valves increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The end cap merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: it seals the chamber, provides mounting for the valve mechanism, and creates pathways for fluid injection and withdrawal. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the ability to control pressure and fluid flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanism provides dynamic control over fluid flow into and out of the sealed chamber, allowing the system to transition between different pressure states and fluid volumes as needed for testing, while maintaining the sealed containment structure. This dynamic capability enables flexible testing protocols without compromising the integrity of the sealed system.
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 maintains the integrity of core samples, allowing for accurate analysis of reservoir properties and fluid compositions, providing more reliable data for well completion and production simulations.
Implementation Method 1
the outer body is an x-ray transparent material
Implementation Method 2
configured to be placed in x-ray computed tomography (CT) equipment to produce a three-dimensional representation
Implementation Method 3
a valve on the outer body to regulate, direct, or control a flow of fluids and/or gases into or out of core holder
Implementation Method 4
allowing for pressurized storage and testing of core samples, enabling analysis under original reservoir pressure conditions
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A core holder (400) comprising: an outer body (430); an internal sleeve (432) in the outer body (430); an end cap (434a, 434b) coupled to the outer body (430) and operable to move from an open position to a closed position; and a plurality of ports (436a, 436b) located on at least one of the other body (430) or the end cap (434a, 434b).