Kick detection system and method for drilling well and associated well drilling system

Abstract

A kick detection system for drilling a well including an ultrasonic module for transmitting signals to a returning drilling fluid from the well, and receiving corresponding backscatter signals; and a process apparatus for obtaining a flow characteristic of the returning drilling fluid based on the backscatter signals, and detecting a kick based on the flow characteristic of the returning drilling fluid and drilling related data. A well drilling system including a drilling string for guiding a drilling bit and a drilling fluid to a well; a conduit defining a channel for accommodating the drilling string and a returning drilling fluid from the well; and the kick detection system. A kick detection method is also described.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]Embodiments of the invention relate generally to a kick detection system and method for drilling a well and an associated well drilling system.[0002]The exploration and production of hydrocarbons from subsurface formations have been done for decades. Due to the limited productivity of aging land-based production wells, there is a growing interest in the hydrocarbon recovery from subsea wells. Generally, for drilling an offshore well, a rotatable drill bit attached to a drill string is used to create the well below the seabed. The drill string allows control of the drill bit from a surface location, typically from an offshore platform or a drill ship. A riser is also deployed to connect the platform at the surface to the wellhead on the seabed. The drill string passes through the riser so as to guide the drill bit to the well.[0003]During well drilling, the drill bit is rotated while the drill string conveys the necessary power from the surface platfo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a system and method for detecting kicks during drilling of a well. The system uses ultrasonic signals to monitor the flow of drilling fluid returning from the well. This allows for the detection of a kick based on the flow characteristics of the fluid and drilling-related data. The technical effect is that this system can improve safety during well drilling by providing early warning of potential kicks, which can prevent damage to the well and reduce the risk of drilling accidents.

Problems solved by technology

This may lead to an unwanted influx of fluid into the well, known in the industry as a “kick”.

Under some circumstances, the occurrence of a kick brings potential for catastrophic equipment failures and the attendant potential harm to well operators and the environment.

However, it is difficult to employ a traditional device for monitoring the drilling fluid in the surface platform due to the volume and complexity of the traditional device.

Moreover, there is a relative long time (e.g., tens of minutes) between a moment when a disturbance of the fluid occurs at the well and when the disturbance is detected at the sea surface, i.e., when a kick warning is obtained by the operators at the sea surface, the kick may have already happened.

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