X-Ray Transparent Core Holder for High-Pressure Core Flood Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional core holders made of metal materials absorb significant X-rays, leading to poor image quality of geomaterial matrices and fluids in porous media, and cannot withstand actual field conditions of high pressure and temperature for macro-scale X-ray imaging.
Innovation Solution
A core holder composed of an X-ray transparent carbon fiber tube with a flexible fluoroelastomer internal sleeve and adhesive end pieces, designed to withstand high pressure and temperature conditions, enabling X-ray imaging and fluid flow investigations under actual field conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional metal core holders are used, then structural strength and pressure resistance are improved, but X-ray transparency and image quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The core holder uses a composite structure combining carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) material with boron nitride coating. The CFRP provides structural strength and pressure resistance while remaining X-ray transparent, and the boron nitride coating enhances sealing capability under high pressure conditions, resolving the contradiction between strength and X-ray transparency.
Solution Approach 2:
The core holder employs a thin-walled cylindrical design with wall thickness of 0.5-2 mm, optimized to balance structural integrity under high pressure with minimal X-ray attenuation. The flexible yet rigid structure allows sufficient deformation space for core samples while maintaining shape stability during high-pressure core flooding experiments.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional carbon fiber core holders are used for micro-scale imaging, then X-ray transparency is improved, but adaptability to macro-scale imaging and large samples deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The core holder is designed with scalable dimensions and standardized connection interfaces that accommodate various core sample sizes from small to large scales. The modular design with adjustable components allows the same basic structure to be adapted for different imaging scales, enabling universal application from micro-scale to macro-scale X-ray imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The core holder parameters including outer diameter, inner diameter, and length are optimized within specific ranges (outer diameter 10-50 mm, length 50-200 mm) to accommodate different core sample sizes. The wall thickness parameter (0.5-2 mm) is adjusted based on pressure requirements and sample size, allowing the structure to adapt to various imaging scales while maintaining structural integrity and X-ray transparency.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional core holders are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but capability to withstand high pressure and high temperature deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The CFRP composite material inherently provides high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent resistance to high pressure and temperature through its fiber-reinforced structure. The boron nitride coating adds thermal stability and chemical inertness. These material properties enable the core holder to withstand actual field conditions (up to 10,000 psi pressure and high temperature) while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The core holder features a nested structure with an inner cylindrical holder containing the core sample, surrounded by an outer confining pressure chamber. This nested design allows independent optimization of each component for its specific function while maintaining overall structural simplicity. The inner holder protects the sample, the outer chamber applies confining pressure, and both work together to achieve high pressure and temperature resistance.
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
Enables high-pressure, high-temperature X-ray imaging and fluid flow studies in core samples, allowing for effective core-flood testing and evaluation of hydrocarbon recovery techniques.
Implementation Method 1
adhered to an outer diameter of the core tube with a structural adhesive
Implementation Method 2
an internal sleeve in the core tube, the internal sleeve formed of a flexible material comprising a fluoroelastomer
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to core holders and uses thereof in, for example, core-flood testing. In an embodiment is provided a core holder. The core holder includes a core tube defining an outside diameter of the core holder, the core tube formed of an X-ray transparent material. The core holder further includes an internal sleeve in the core tube, the internal sleeve formed of a flexible material, the internal sleeve comprising: an inner diameter defining an interior volume of the core holder and adapted to accommodate a core sample; and an outer diameter. The core holder further includes a first end piece and a second end piece opposite the first end piece, each of the first end piece and the second end piece: adhered to an outer diameter of the core tube; and adjacent to a confining fluid chamber.