A mud level measuring device and a mud tank containing the same

Abstract

The present invention discloses a mud level measuring device and a mud tank including the device, the device comprising: a wave-trapping tube, the wave-trapping tube comprising a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, wherein the first end is located above the mud tank surface, the second end is open and extends into the mud in the mud tank, and the wave-trapping tube and the mud tank form a connecting space; a mechanical measuring device, the mechanical measuring device is arranged inside the wave-trapping tube and is configured to measure the mud level in the mud tank; a stabilizing device, the stabilizing device is installed inside the first end of the wave-trapping tube and is arranged on the periphery of the mechanical measuring device. The mud level measuring device disclosed by the present invention has a measurement process that is not affected by many adverse factors on site such as mud temperature, water vapor, stirring waves, foam accumulation, etc., and can provide both visual scale data and stable mud level output linear electronic data, so as to obtain mud level data stably and accurately in a complex drilling environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of drilling engineering, in particular to a drilling engineering mud level measuring device and a mud tank comprising the device. Background Art

[0002] Real-time monitoring of mud levels during drilling is one of the most important technical means of well control safety. Currently, ultrasonic non-contact measurement or manual reading of a float gauge are commonly used. Ultrasonic measurement is affected by many adverse factors such as process temperature, water vapor, and liquid level fluctuations, resulting in poor measurement data reliability. While float gauge measurement is not affected by these factors and provides relatively accurate data, the data from the float gauge needs to be read manually and cannot be digitally read and transmitted electronically. This results in slow data response and a lack of systematic processing. A comprehensive evaluation of existing level measurement methods shows that none of them can meet the stringent well control requirements of rapid drilling. A more accurate, reliable, and applicable measurement method suitable for complex drilling site conditions is needed, which can avoid the impact of adverse on-site factors on measurement and achieve full control of the digital measurement process. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention proposes a mud level measuring device to ensure that the mud level measurement process is not affected by adverse factors such as temperature, steam, and waves, and to realize digital output and transmission of the measurement process, so as to achieve the purpose of accurate and reliable acquisition of mud level data in complex drilling environments.

[0004] On one hand, the present invention discloses a mud level measuring device, comprising: a wave-trapping tube, the wave-trapping tube comprising a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, wherein the first end is located above the surface of a mud tank, the second end is open and extends into the mud in the mud tank, and the wave-trapping tube and the mud tank form a connecting space; a mechanical measuring device, the mechanical measuring device is disposed inside the wave-trapping tube and is configured to measure the mud level in the mud tank; a stabilizing device, the stabilizing device is installed inside the first end of the wave-trapping tube and is disposed on the periphery of the mechanical measuring device. The wave-trapping tube is connected to the mud system in the tank at the bottom, so that the mud liquid level inside the wave-trapping tube and the mud liquid level outside the wave-trapping tube maintain a relative planar position, and the mud liquid level in the mud tank is obtained by measuring the mud liquid level inside the wave-trapping tube.

[0005] In an embodiment of the present invention, the mechanical measuring device includes a scale and a float. The scale includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end of the scale is connected to the float, and the second end of the scale extends above the surface of the mud tank. The float floats on the mud in the mud tank. The float float floats up and down in the wave-trapping tube, providing buoyancy for the scale, which in turn propels the scale up and down with the liquid level. A positioning point is located at the first end of the wave-trapping tube. The scale graduation corresponding to the positioning point is measured each time the scale moves up and down, thereby obtaining the manually visually observed mud level.

[0006] In an embodiment of the present invention, the stabilization device includes at least two stabilization modules and at least two mounting flanges, wherein the stabilization modules are mounted within the first end of the wave-trapping tube via the mounting flanges, and the two stabilization modules are connected by a plurality of connecting shafts. The stabilization device facilitates achieving balanced upward and downward movement of the scale and obtaining stable mechanical measurement data.

[0007] In an embodiment of the present invention, the stabilization module includes a guide rail plate, a plurality of guide wheels, and guide wheel pressure springs corresponding to the plurality of guide wheels. The guide rail plate has a space for accommodating the guide wheels and for allowing the scale to pass through. The guide wheels are uniformly accommodated within the space. The guide wheel pressure springs are connected to the guide wheels and are configured to provide the guide wheels with a uniform centripetal thrust toward the center of the space. The guide rail plate can be a flat plate with a space in the middle and uniform density. The middle space of the guide rail plate is used to accommodate the guide wheels and allow the scale to pass through. The guide wheel pressure springs provide the guide wheels with a uniform centripetal thrust, so that the guide wheels apply uniform straightening pressure to the four sides of the scale, and the scale has minimal sliding resistance when moving up and down, thereby achieving balanced up and down movement of the scale.

[0008] In an embodiment of the present invention, the guide wheel comprises a graphene guide wheel. The graphene guide wheel is oil-free and self-lubricating, and is not corroded by high-temperature mud gas during use. This allows the guide wheel to continuously and stably apply uniform straightening pressure to the periphery of the scale, minimizing sliding resistance during the scale's vertical movement, thereby achieving balanced vertical movement of the scale and accurately and reliably obtaining the mud level.

[0009] In an embodiment of the present invention, the mud level measuring device further includes a digital signal output device, the digital signal output device including a chip strip, a positioning magnetic grid, and an intelligent transmitter, wherein the chip strip is integrated into the scale, the chip strip is configured to output the scale value of the scale as a voltage value, and the voltage value output by the chip strip corresponds to the scale value of the scale; the positioning magnetic grid is arranged at the first end of the wave-blocking tube, and is configured to provide a positioning reference plane for the scale, and provide the intelligent transmitter with trigger signal data of the scale value of the scale corresponding to the positioning reference plane; the intelligent transmitter is arranged at the second end of the scale, and is configured to calculate the voltage value corresponding to the scale value of the scale corresponding to the positioning reference plane based on the trigger signal data and output the corresponding digital signal. Through the digital signal output device of the present invention, the data of the mud level measurement is converted into a digital signal and output to the computer terminal, so that the computer terminal can subsequently perform real-time monitoring and data processing on the mud level.

[0010] In an embodiment of the present invention, the mud level measuring device further comprises a viscosity reducing device connected to the wave-trapping tube, the viscosity reducing device comprising a spray solenoid valve and a spray water outlet ring, the spray solenoid valve being arranged on the outside of the first end of the wave-trapping tube and configured to provide pressure to the spray water outlet ring; the spray water outlet ring being arranged on the inside of the first end of the wave-trapping tube and configured to inject water into the interior of the wave-trapping tube. The viscosity reducing device can be controlled by an intelligent system, and when the viscosity of the mud inside the wave-trapping tube is too high and has an adverse effect on the mud level measurement, the spray solenoid valve receives a signal from the intelligent system and opens to provide pressure to the spray water outlet ring, and then the spray water outlet ring injects water into the interior of the wave-trapping tube to reduce the viscosity of the mud inside the wave-trapping tube, thereby making the mud level measurement smooth.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present invention, the mud level measuring device is made of corrosion-resistant material and is arranged at any position of the mud tank. After the mud level measuring device is installed once, it does not need to be disassembled or assembled each time the well is completed or relocated.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present invention, the wave-trapping tube of the mud level measuring device is configured to isolate the wavy mud surface in the mud tank to form a calm liquid surface inside the wave-trapping tube, thereby providing a calm liquid surface for mud level measurement.

[0013] Another aspect of the present invention discloses a mud tank, which includes the mud level measuring device described in the present application.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: the present invention discloses a mud level measuring device, the measurement process of which is not affected by many adverse factors on site such as mud temperature, water vapor, stirring waves, foam accumulation, etc., and can provide visual scale data and output the measurement data as a digital signal, thereby realizing the conversion of mud level measurement data into a digital signal and outputting it to the computer terminal, facilitating the subsequent real-time monitoring and data processing of the mud level by the computer terminal, thereby achieving stable and accurate acquisition of mud level and real-time monitoring of mud level data in a complex drilling environment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other embodiments can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a mud level measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0017] Figure 2 (a) shows a schematic diagram of a guide rail plate of a first stabilizing module of a mud level measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 (b) shows a cross-sectional view of a stabilization module of a mud level measurement device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 (c) shows a schematic diagram of a guide rail plate of a second stabilization module of a mud level measurement device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The following describes embodiments of the present invention. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples and other embodiments can take various alternative forms.

[0021] In addition, it should be noted that all expressions using "first" and "second" in the embodiments of the present invention are intended to distinguish two non-identical entities or non-identical parameters with the same name. It can be seen that "first" and "second" are only for the convenience of expression and should not be understood as limitations on the embodiments of the present invention. The subsequent embodiments will not explain this one by one. The terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, so that a process, method, article, or apparatus comprising a series of elements includes not only those elements, but may also include elements not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, articles, or apparatuses.

[0022] One or more embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a mud level measuring device provided by the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the mud level measurement device includes a wave-trapping tube 8, a mechanical measuring device, and a stabilizing device. The wave-trapping tube 8 includes a first end 81 and a second end 82 opposite the first end 81. The first end 81 is mounted above the tank surface 12 of the mud tank 17, and the second end 82 of the wave-trapping tube 8 is open and extends into the mud in the mud tank 17, forming a connecting space between the wave-trapping tube 8 and the mud tank 17. The wave-trapping tube 8 isolates the mud wave surface 13, forming a calm liquid surface 14 inside the wave-trapping tube 8, providing a calm liquid surface for mud level measurement, and the calm liquid surface 14 maintains a relative planar position with the mud wave surface 13. The mechanical measuring device is arranged inside the wave-trapping tube 8 and is used to measure the liquid level of the calm liquid surface 14 in the wave-trapping tube 8. The mechanical measuring device includes a scale 2 and a float barrel 7. The end of the scale 2 close to the mud is connected to the float barrel 7, and the other end extends to the tank surface 12 of the mud tank 17. The float barrel 7 floats on the calm liquid surface 14 in the tube due to the buoyancy. The stabilizing device is installed at the first end 81 inside the wave-trapping tube 8 and is arranged at a position outside the mechanical measuring device. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the stabilization device is disposed at a position peripheral to the scale 2. The stabilization device comprises at least two stabilization modules and at least two mounting flanges, wherein the stabilization modules are mounted inside the first end 81 of the wave-trapping tube 8 via the mounting flanges, and the two stabilization modules are connected via a plurality of connecting shafts 15.

[0024] Further, if Figure 1As shown, the mud level measuring device also includes a digital signal output device, wherein the digital signal output device includes a chip strip 16, a positioning magnetic grid 10, and an intelligent transmitter 1, wherein the chip strip 16 is integrated into the scale 2 and is used to output the scale value of the scale 2 as a voltage value, and the voltage value output by the chip strip 16 corresponds to the scale value of the scale 2; the positioning magnetic grid 10 is disposed at the first end 81 of the wave-trapping tube 8 and is used to provide a positioning reference surface for the scale 2. In an embodiment of the present invention, the positioning magnetic grid 10 is mounted on a connecting shaft 15 of a stabilizing device, and multiple connecting shafts are provided to form a stable guiding and straightening measuring device installation system. The positioning reference surface provided by the positioning magnetic grid 10 is a plurality of circular groups of NS magnetic lines of force, which provide a reference line for measuring the mud level through the magnetic lines of force. The external scale lines of the scale 2 corresponding to the magnetic lines of force each time the scale 2 moves up and down are indicated as the current visually measured mud level value. At the same time, the magnetic lines of force act on the integrated chip strip inside the scale, generate a voltage value corresponding to the external scale value, and provide the smart transmitter 1 with the trigger signal data of the scale value of the scale 2 corresponding to it, and then provide the trigger signal data to the smart transmitter 1; the smart transmitter 1 is set at the end of the scale 2 away from the mud, and the smart transmitter 1 is configured to calculate the voltage value corresponding to the scale value of the scale 2 corresponding to the positioning reference surface based on the trigger signal data and output the corresponding digital signal.

[0025] Further, if Figure 1 As shown, the mud level measurement device also includes a viscosity reduction device, wherein the viscosity reduction device includes a spray solenoid valve 5 and a spray water outlet ring 6. The spray solenoid valve 5 is arranged on the outside of the first end 81 of the wave-trapping tube 8. The spray solenoid valve 5 can be controlled by the intelligent system and is used to provide pressure for the spray water outlet ring 6. The spray water outlet ring 6 is placed on the inside of the first end 81 of the wave-trapping tube 8. The spray water outlet ring 6 and the spray solenoid valve 5 work together to inject water into the wave-trapping tube 8. The viscosity reduction device is externally controlled by the intelligent system (not shown). When the mud viscosity inside the wave-trapping tube 8 is too high (for example, sensed by a sensor not shown, or by other means that can detect that the mud viscosity is too high), which has an adverse effect on the mud level measurement, the spray solenoid valve 5 receives a signal from the intelligent system and opens, thereby providing pressure for the spray water outlet ring 6. The spray water outlet ring 6 injects water into the wave-trapping tube 8, thereby reducing the mud viscosity inside the wave-trapping tube 8 and making the mud level measurement smooth.

[0026] The mud level measuring device of the present invention is made of corrosion-resistant material and is installed at any position in the mud tank 17. In the embodiment of the present invention, the mud level measuring device can be installed before drilling and grouting, and can be installed at any position in the mud tank. Since all components of the device are made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel, it can be installed once and used permanently, and there is no need to disassemble or reassemble the device each time the well is completed or relocated.

[0027] In the continued reference Figure 1 Based on reference Figure 2 (a)-(c) Schematic diagrams showing the stabilization module of the stabilization device. Figure 2 (a) and (c) are schematic diagrams showing the guide rail plate 4 of the stabilization module. The guide rail plates of different stabilization modules may have the same structure, or alternatively, may have different structures. The guide rail plate 4 has a space 41 for accommodating the guide wheel 9 and through which the scale 2 can pass. Figure 2 As shown in (b), the guide wheels 9 are evenly distributed in the space 41. In one embodiment, the guide wheels 9 can be mounted on the guide rail plate 4 via the mounting shaft 18. The guide wheel pressure spring 11 is connected to the corresponding guide wheel 9 and is configured to provide the guide wheel 9 with a uniform centripetal thrust toward the center of the space 41, thereby firmly holding the scale 2 passing through the center of the space 41. Figure 2 In the embodiment shown in (b), there are two guide wheel pressure springs 11 corresponding to each guide wheel 9, and the two guide wheel pressure springs are fixed to both sides of the guide wheel 9 through the mounting shaft 18 respectively.

[0028] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that although Figure 2 (a)-(b) show the specific structure of the guide plate 4 and the space 41, and show the specific structure, quantity and relative arrangement relationship of the guide wheel, the mounting shaft and the guide wheel pressure spring, but other structures, quantities and relative arrangements that can achieve the effects of the present invention are also within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the stabilization device includes a first stabilization module and a second stabilization module, which are arranged up and down, connected by four connecting shafts 15, and fixed to the inside of the wave-trapping tube 8. Each stabilization module includes the same components, and the relative positions of the components are consistent, that is, it can include the following: Figure 2 The guide plate 4 shown in (a)-(c), the guide wheels 9 evenly distributed and embedded in the guide plate 4, and the guide wheel pressure springs 11 connected to the guide wheels, the uniform space in the middle of the guide plate 4 can be a hollow space of regular shape, the uniform space in the middle of the guide plate 4 ensures that the scale 2 can pass through in a balanced manner, and mounting flanges 3 are installed around the guide plate 4, and the guide plate 4 is installed inside the first end 81 of the wave-blocking tube 8 through four mounting flanges 3; the guide wheels 9 are evenly embedded in the four positions extended by the uniform space in the middle of the guide plate 4 through the mounting shaft, the guide wheel pressure springs 11 are installed on the mounting shaft connected to the guide wheel 9, and the guide wheel pressure springs 11 are used to provide uniform centripetal thrust for the guide wheel 9.

[0030] In an embodiment of the present invention, the guide wheel 9 can be a graphene guide wheel. The graphene guide wheel has the ability of oil-free self-lubrication and will not be corroded by the high-temperature gas of the mud during use, so that the guide wheel 9 applies uniform straightening pressure to the four sides of the scale 2 and makes the scale 2 move up and down with minimal sliding resistance, thereby realizing the balanced up and down movement of the scale 2 and obtaining an accurate and reliable mud liquid level.

[0031] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that although Figure 1 Two stabilization modules are shown in FIG, but one or more stabilization modules are also within the scope of the present invention as desired.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention further discloses a mud tank 17, comprising the mud level measuring device of the present invention.

[0033] The above are exemplary embodiments disclosed in the present invention, but it should be noted that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments disclosed in the claims. The functions, steps and / or actions of the method claims according to the disclosed embodiments described herein do not need to be performed in any particular order. In addition, although the elements disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention may be described or required in individual form, they may also be understood as multiple unless expressly limited to the singular.

[0034] It should be understood that, as used herein, the singular forms "a" and "an" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly supports an exception. It should also be understood that, as used herein, "and / or" is intended to include any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0035] The serial numbers of the embodiments disclosed in the above embodiments of the present invention are only for description and do not represent the advantages or disadvantages of the embodiments.

[0036] Those skilled in the art should understand that the discussion of any of the above embodiments is merely illustrative and is not intended to imply that the scope of the disclosure of the embodiments of the present invention (including the claims) is limited to these examples. Within the spirit of the embodiments of the present invention, the technical features of the above embodiments or different embodiments may be combined, and there are many other variations of different aspects of the above embodiments of the present invention, which are not provided in detail for the sake of simplicity. Therefore, any omissions, modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the embodiments of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A mud level measuring device, characterized in that: include: a wave-trapping tube, the wave-trapping tube comprising a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, wherein the first end is located above the mud tank surface, the second end is open and extends into the mud in the mud tank, and the wave-trapping tube and the mud tank form a communicating space; a mechanical measuring device, the mechanical measuring device being disposed inside the wave-trapping tube and configured to measure the mud level in the mud tank, comprising a scale and a float bucket, the scale comprising a first end and a second end opposite thereto, the first end of the scale being connected to the float bucket, the second end of the scale extending above the surface of the mud tank, and the float bucket floating on the mud in the mud tank; A stabilizing device is installed inside the first end of the wave-trapping tube and is arranged on the periphery of the mechanical measuring device, including at least two stabilizing modules and at least two mounting flanges. The stabilizing module is installed inside the first end of the wave-trapping tube through the mounting flanges. The two stabilizing modules are connected by multiple connecting shafts. The stabilizing module includes a guide plate, multiple guide wheels and corresponding guide wheel pressure springs. The guide plate has a space for accommodating the guide wheels and through which the scale can pass. The guide wheels are evenly accommodated in the space. The guide wheel pressure spring is connected to the guide wheel to provide the guide wheel with a uniform centripetal thrust toward the center of the space.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The guide wheel comprises a graphene guide wheel.

3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that It also includes a digital signal output device, which includes a chip bar, a positioning magnetic grid, and an intelligent transmitter, wherein the chip bar is integrated in the scale, and the chip bar is configured to output the scale value of the scale as a voltage value, and the voltage value output by the chip bar corresponds to the scale value of the scale; the positioning magnetic grid is arranged at the first end of the wave-trapping tube, and is configured to provide a positioning reference surface for the scale, and provide the intelligent transmitter with trigger signal data of the scale value of the scale corresponding to the positioning reference surface; the intelligent transmitter is arranged at the second end of the scale, and is configured to calculate the voltage value corresponding to the scale value of the scale corresponding to the positioning reference surface based on the trigger signal data and output the corresponding digital signal.

4. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that It also includes a viscosity reduction device connected to the wave-trapping tube, the viscosity reduction device includes a spray solenoid valve and a spray water outlet ring, the spray solenoid valve is arranged on the outside of the first end of the wave-trapping tube, and is configured to provide pressure for the spray water outlet ring; the spray water outlet ring is arranged on the inside of the first end of the wave-trapping tube, and is configured to inject water into the interior of the wave-trapping tube.

5. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The mud level measuring device is made of corrosion-resistant material and is arranged at any position of the mud tank.

6. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The wave-trapping tube is configured to isolate the wavy liquid surface of the mud in the mud tank to form a calm liquid surface inside the wave-trapping tube.

7. A mud tank, characterized in that: The mud tank includes the mud level measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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