What are the primary functions of the core holder and high-pressure manual pump? Master Stress Simulation for Lab Tests

The core holder and high-pressure manual pump function as a unified system to replicate deep-earth containment conditions. The core holder physically secures the rock sample, while the high-pressure manual pump injects oil into the holder to generate confining pressure. This setup simulates geological formation stress, forcing experimental fluids to flow exclusively through the rock's internal fractures rather than bypassing them.

Core Takeaway: The primary goal of these components is isolation and simulation. By applying external pressure that mimics the stress of deep rock formations, they prevent fluid leakage around the sample, ensuring that permeability data reflects the actual behavior of the fractures.

The Role of the Rock Core Holder

Securing the Specimen

The fundamental function of the core holder is to fix the artificial fractured granite sample in place. It acts as the physical containment vessel for the experiment.

Creating a Sealed Environment

By holding the sample rigidly, the core holder provides a chamber where pressure can be applied uniformly. This is the first step in transforming a loose rock sample into a valid experimental subject.

The Role of the High-Pressure Manual Pump

Applying Confining Pressure

The high-pressure manual pump is distinct from the pumps used to inject chemical fluids. Its specific job is to inject oil into the core holder chamber surrounding the rock sample.

Simulating Formation Stress

This oil injection creates confining pressure—an external force that squeezes the rock sample from all sides. This effectively simulates the immense weight and stress deep rocks experience in their natural subsurface environment.

Why This Interaction is Critical

Preventing Fluid Bypass

Without sufficient confining pressure, the experimental fluid (like water or chemical stimulants) would take the path of least resistance. This usually means leaking around the sides of the sample rather than flowing through the rock itself.

Ensuring Data Integrity

By using the manual pump to apply stress, the system forces fluid to flow only through the preset fractures. This guarantees that the resulting permeability test results are authentic and accurate to the rock's internal structure.

Distinguishing Between Pump Types

Confining vs. Injection

It is critical not to confuse the high-pressure manual pump with the high-precision constant flow pumps mentioned in advanced setups.

Specific Functions

The manual pump provides the static external pressure (confining pressure) to hold the rock together. Conversely, precision pumps provide the dynamic internal flow of fluids (injection) used to calculate permeability via Darcy's Law.

Making the Right Choice for Your Goal

To ensure valid experimental results, you must ensure both components are utilized for their specific purpose.

• If your primary focus is Data Accuracy: Ensure the manual pump applies enough confining pressure to completely prevent side-wall leakage, or your permeability calculations will be invalid.
• If your primary focus is Realistic Simulation: Adjust the manual pump pressure to match the specific formation stress of the depth you are attempting to model.

Success in dynamic simulation relies on properly recreating the physical stress of the reservoir before a single drop of fluid is injected.

Summary Table:

Component	Primary Function	Experimental Role
Core Holder	Specimen Containment	Secures rock samples and creates a sealed environment for testing.
High-Pressure Manual Pump	Confining Pressure Generation	Injects oil to apply external stress, mimicking deep-earth geological conditions.
The Interaction	Fluid Bypass Prevention	Forces fluids through internal fractures to ensure accurate permeability data.

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References

1. Zhenpeng Cui, Bo Feng. Experimental Study on the Effect and Mechanism of Chemical Stimulation on Deep High-Temperature Granite. DOI: 10.3389/feart.2022.893969

This article is also based on technical information from Kintek Solution Knowledge Base .