This invention named TGeosA describes a method for determining the thermogravimetric response and characteristics of heterogeneous geomaterials. TGeosA comprises a lower frame with a digital weighing balance, an upper frame with a furnace for heating samples, a vertically positioned stem member transferring sample weight to the balance, and a gas supply unit for purging. The design minimizes errors from temperature variations and buoyancy, eliminating the need for data pre-processing. The system can analyze samples up to 220g, offering accurate thermogravimetric analysis for heterogeneous materials, making it a significant advancement over conventional systems.
Figure (1) Picture of TGeosA
The current methods for thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) are insufficient for accurately assessing the thermogravimetric response and characteristics of heterogeneous geomaterials. Conventional thermogravimeters analyze only a few milligrams of the sample (≈80 mg), which is not representative of the material's matrix due to heterogeneity in mineralogy and porosity. Additionally, sophisticated and expensive instrumentation is required, which needs special care and maintenance. This limitation severely impacts studies related to various modern-day focus areas like reservoir rock characterization, nuclear waste repositories, crude oil characterization, heterogenous landfill mined waste characterization and underground coal gasification.
- Large Sample Analysis: The system can analyze significantly larger samples, up to 220 grams, offering a major advantage over conventional methods that typically handle only a few milligrams.
- Integrated Weighing System: The digital weighing balance is positioned below the furnace, minimizing measurement errors caused by temperature fluctuations and buoyancy effects.
- Enhanced Accuracy and Control: A horizontal gas purging system combined with continuous temperature monitoring ensures greater precision and better control during experiments.
- Versatile Material Characterization: This setup improves the capability to study and characterize a wide range of heterogeneous materials, making it suitable for diverse research and industrial applications.
The TGeosA consists of a switch and control panel, furnace, which can reach up to 1000 °C, stem, modified digital weighing balance, pedestal for mounting the balance, sample holder, exhaust vent, k-type thermocouple, gas (N2, O2 or air) cylinder, and rotameter. TGeosA is an easy-to-operate and low-cost setup as it does not entail paraphernalia like a chiller unit and computer-controlled devices for heating. As the weighing balance is placed outside the furnace, it remains unaffected by the high temperatures and the gas purging (in the range of 0 and 500 ml/min and 1 and 10 bar) without inducing a buoyancy effect. An additional empty crucible, the counterbalance in conventional thermogravimeters, is not required.
The instrument and the framework are ready for commercial application. Several international journal papers are published demonstrating the use of this device.
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This invention enables more accurate characterization of heterogeneous geomaterials, which can significantly enhance research and development in fields such as oil and gas recovery, nuclear waste management, and environmental protection. By providing a reliable and representative analysis, it can lead to better decision-making and policy formulation, contributing to the safe and efficient utilization of natural resources.
- Characterization of municipal and industrial solid/semi-solid wastes.
- Thermal decomposition studies of polymers, ceramics, and building materials.
- Reservoir rock characterization for oil and natural gas recovery.
- Assessment of nuclear waste repositories.
- Characterization of crude oil and underground coal gasification studies.
Geography of IP
Type of IP
202321024952
491650