Development of a 3D Model of a Prototype System for Geogas Capture Aiming at the Prospection of Light Hydrocarbons

Resumo

The prospection of light hydrocarbons in soils requires efficient systems for geogas capture; however, existing solutions often combine high cost, operational complexity, and low adaptability to variable field conditions. This study develops an innovative prototype to overcome these limitations, grounded in a critical analysis of patents that identified eight essential technical functions such as sealing against atmospheric contamination, clogging protection, and modular active collection. The methodology integrated a review of consolidated technologies (including Soil Gas Probe and Volatile Organic Compound Monitoring) with parametric CAD modeling, resulting in a modular system of six components interconnected by standardized threads. The design prioritizes constructive simplicity, enabling low-cost laboratory manufacturing, portability for remote areas, and adaptability to different depths and soil types. Compatible with analytical techniques such as gas chromatography via coupling with molecular filters, the prototype requires neither permanent infrastructure nor specialized consumables. Prepared for computational simulations of robustness and gas flow, the model ensures functional validation prior to physical prototyping, reducing risks and costs. As an intermediate solution between artisanal methods and complex industrial systems, it offers operational efficiency for small-scale geochemical prospection, with extended applications to environmental monitoring of VOCs and leak detection. It represents a strategic advance for national tools of sustainable exploration, with prospects for integration into in situ sensors and georeferenced mapping platforms.