Design and mechanical optimization of multidirectional pressure-preserved coring system for deep-earth resource exploration
Pressure-preserved coring technologies are critical for deep-earth resource exploration but are constrained by the inability to achieve multidirectional coring, restricting exploration range while escalating costs and environmental impacts. We developed a multidirectional pressure-preserved coring system based on magnetic control for deep-earth environments up to 5000 m. The system integrates a magnetically controlled method and key pressure-preserved components to ensure precise self-triggering and self-sealing. It is supported by geometric control equations for optimizing structural stability. Their structure was verified and optimized through theoretical and numerical calculations to meet design objectives. To clarify the self-triggering mechanism in complex environments, a dynamic interference model was established, verifying stability during multidirectional coring. The prototype was fabricated, and functional tests confirmed that it met its design objectives. In a 300-meter-deep test inclined well, 10 coring operations were completed with a 100% pressure-preserved success rate, confirming the accuracy of the dynamic interference model analysis. Field trials in a 1970-meter-deep inclined petroleum well, representative of complex environments, demonstrated an in-situ pressure preservation efficiency of 92.18% at 22 MPa. This system innovatively expands the application scope of pressure-preserved coring, providing technical support for efficient and sustainable deep resources exploration and mining.
Authors
- Yachen Xie (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6041-1586)
- Guikang Liu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6690-5556)
- Cong Li (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6958-1171)
Institutions
- Sichuan University (CN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- International Journal of Mining Science and Technology
- Published
- 2025-05-01
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmst.2025.04.001
- Citations
- 3
- Primary Topic
- Methane Hydrates and Related Phenomena
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 2.58
Funders
- National Natural Science Foundation of China
- State Key Laboratory of Geomechanics and Geotechnical Engineering
- Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
- National Key Research and Development Program of China