Helium extraction method, system, device, and storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the field of gas separation and purification, and discloses a helium extraction method, system, device and storage medium. The method comprises: pretreating drilling fluid by a front-stage processing module, separating solid particles in the drilling fluid, and obtaining degassing drilling fluid; closing an inlet electromagnetic valve of a helium storage cavity; conveying the degassing drilling fluid to a helium separation cavity; oscillating the degassing drilling fluid in the helium separation cavity by an ultrasonic device to release helium in the degassing drilling fluid; monitoring pressure data in the helium separation cavity; when the pressure in the helium separation cavity is greater than a pressure threshold of the inlet electromagnetic valve of the helium storage cavity, opening the inlet electromagnetic valve of the helium storage cavity to make helium gathered in the upper part of the helium separation cavity enter the helium storage cavity. The present disclosure separates helium in drilling fluid based on ultrasonic cavitation effect, and can realize rapid release of helium in drilling fluid mud.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of gas separation and purification technology, specifically to a helium extraction method, system, equipment, and storage medium. More particularly, it relates to an apparatus and method for efficiently separating and purifying helium from natural gas drilling fluid mud using ultrasonic cavitation effect, applicable to scenarios such as oil and gas drilling and unconventional natural gas development. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of low-temperature superconductivity, liquid helium is an essential medium for maintaining the operation of superconducting magnets. Globally, 75% of helium is used in high-end medical and scientific research equipment such as nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices and particle accelerators. In semiconductor manufacturing, high-purity helium serves as a protective gas to ensure the stability of wafers during high-temperature chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The aerospace industry relies on helium's low-density properties, using it in satellite cooling systems and rocket fuel pressurization. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, global helium consumption reached 830 million cubic meters in 2023, with high-end applications accounting for over 60%. This reliance makes helium the fourth largest key industrial raw material after oil and natural gas.

[0003] Currently, over 90% of the world's helium comes from associated gas extraction in natural gas fields, but this traditional method is facing multiple constraints. From a resource endowment perspective, the helium concentration in conventional natural gas reservoirs is generally below 0.1%, with data from a major gas field showing a helium content of only 0.06%. To reach the commercial extraction standard (0.3%-0.5%), large-scale gas gathering and transportation, as well as advanced processing, are required. In terms of technology, traditional pressure swing adsorption (PSA) purification systems have significant shortcomings. Even more challenging is that many of China's major onshore gas fields are located in complex geological structures in the central and western regions, making extraction extremely difficult.

[0004] In the field of oil exploration, mud gas has shown unique advantages as an emerging source of helium. During drilling, the mud circulation system carries formation fluids, whose helium content can be 5-10 times higher than that of conventional natural gas reservoirs. However, the complex mud system constitutes a technological barrier. Due to the presence of solid particles and colloidal substances in the mud, helium is easily adsorbed or encapsulated, leading to low efficiency of existing separation technologies (such as membrane separation and pressure swing adsorption) and easy equipment clogging. Existing methods for extracting helium from liquid samples mainly include cryogenic distillation, membrane separation, and chemisorption. Cryogenic distillation requires cooling the mixed gas to below -269°C. Energy consumption calculations from a demonstration project show that the comprehensive energy consumption for helium production is as high as 8.6 kW·h per cubic meter, and equipment frost formation at low temperatures reduces system stability. Membrane separation requires stringent pretreatment of the incoming gas; when the particle size is large, the membrane flux decay rate accelerates significantly. Chemisorption requires specific adsorbents, resulting in high costs and difficult regeneration. Therefore, how to release and purify helium in complex drilling fluid systems at low cost and high efficiency is a major technical challenge in helium extraction and logging. The extraction difficulties caused by complex drilling fluid systems exhibit multi-scale coupling characteristics: at the microscopic level, nanoscale clay minerals physically adsorb helium molecules through surface functional groups; at the mesoscopic level, the steric hindrance effect formed by the hydrated ion network hinders gas diffusion; at the macroscopic level, the non-Newtonian fluid properties cause a significant shear dilution effect in the gas-liquid separation process. This multi-level coupling mechanism makes it difficult for traditional separation technologies to overcome the technical trap of "high energy consumption - low efficiency - easy contamination."

[0005] In summary, how to release and purify helium in a low-cost and efficient manner in complex drilling fluid systems is an urgent problem to be solved in the fields of helium extraction and logging. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure provides a helium extraction method, system, device, and storage medium to solve or alleviate one or more of the above-mentioned technical problems in the prior art.

[0007] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a method for extracting helium is provided, comprising:

[0008] The drilling fluid is pre-treated by the pre-processing module to separate solid particles from the drilling fluid and obtain drilling fluid to be degassed.

[0009] Close the inlet solenoid valve of the helium storage chamber;

[0010] The drilling fluid to be degassed is transported to the helium separation chamber;

[0011] The drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber is oscillated using an ultrasonic device to release the helium gas from the drilling fluid.

[0012] Monitor the pressure data inside the helium separation chamber;

[0013] When the pressure inside the helium separation chamber is greater than the pressure threshold of the inlet solenoid valve of the helium storage chamber, the inlet solenoid valve of the helium storage chamber is opened, allowing the helium gas accumulated in the upper part of the helium separation chamber to enter the helium storage chamber.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the drilling fluid is pretreated by a pre-processing module to separate solid particles from the drilling fluid and obtain the drilling fluid to be degassed, including:

[0015] Coarse solid particles in the drilling fluid are separated by a hydrocyclone separator using centrifugal force gradient to obtain the drilling fluid to be degassed.

[0016] The air column generated during the separation of coarse solid particles is liquid-sealed using a buffer settling tank.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber is agitated using an ultrasonic device to release helium from the drilling fluid, including:

[0018] Turn on the ultrasonic drive module in the ultrasonic device;

[0019] The ultrasonic transducer array in the ultrasonic device is driven by the ultrasonic drive module.

[0020] The ultrasonic transducer array induces ultrasonic cavitation in the drilling fluid to be degassed, causing the bubbles in the drilling fluid to collapse under the nonlinear action of ultrasound, destroying the physical adsorption structure on the surface of the mud particles in the drilling fluid to be degassed, and releasing helium.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the helium extraction method further includes:

[0022] Obtain the liquid level data of the drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber;

[0023] When the level of the drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber exceeds the first set level threshold, the ultrasonic device is activated.

[0024] When the level of the drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber exceeds the second set level threshold, the input of the drilling fluid to be degassed is stopped.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the helium extraction method further includes:

[0026] Monitor the viscosity data of the drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber;

[0027] When the viscosity of the drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber exceeds the set viscosity threshold, the input voltage is increased.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the helium extraction method further includes:

[0029] Monitor the particle concentration data of the drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber;

[0030] When the particle concentration of the drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber exceeds the set particle concentration threshold, the ultrasonic device is controlled to stop degassed.

[0031] In one possible implementation, when the pressure inside the helium separation chamber exceeds the pressure threshold of the inlet solenoid valve of the helium storage chamber, the inlet solenoid valve of the helium storage chamber is opened, allowing the helium gas accumulated in the upper part of the helium separation chamber to enter the helium storage chamber, followed by:

[0032] Monitor the pressure data inside the helium storage chamber;

[0033] When the pressure inside the helium storage chamber exceeds the pressure threshold of the outlet solenoid valve of the helium storage chamber, the outlet solenoid valve of the helium storage chamber is opened to release the helium from the helium storage chamber.

[0034] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a helium extraction system is provided, comprising:

[0035] The pre-processing module is used to pre-treat the drilling fluid, separate solid particles from the drilling fluid, and obtain the drilling fluid to be degassed.

[0036] The control unit includes a first solenoid valve control module for closing the inlet solenoid valve of the helium storage chamber;

[0037] A conveying unit is used to convey the drilling fluid to be degassed to the helium separation chamber;

[0038] An ultrasonic device is used to vibrate the drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber, so as to release the helium in the drilling fluid to be degassed.

[0039] The first monitoring unit is used to monitor the pressure data inside the helium separation chamber;

[0040] The first solenoid valve control module is also used to open the inlet solenoid valve of the helium storage chamber when the pressure inside the helium separation chamber is greater than the pressure threshold of the inlet solenoid valve of the helium storage chamber, so that the helium gas gathered in the upper part of the helium separation chamber enters the helium storage chamber.

[0041] In one possible implementation, the pre-processing module includes:

[0042] A hydrocyclone separator is used to separate coarse solid particles from drilling fluid using centrifugal force gradient to obtain drilling fluid to be degassed.

[0043] A buffer settling tank is used to liquid seal the air column generated during the separation of coarse solid particles.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the ultrasonic device includes: an ultrasonic drive module and an ultrasonic transducer array, and the control unit includes an ultrasonic control module;

[0045] The ultrasonic control module is used to activate the ultrasonic drive module in the ultrasonic device.

[0046] An ultrasonic drive module is used to drive the ultrasonic transducer array in an ultrasonic device.

[0047] An ultrasonic transducer array is used to induce ultrasonic cavitation in the drilling fluid to be degassed, causing the bubbles in the drilling fluid to collapse under the nonlinear action of ultrasound, destroying the physical adsorption structure on the surface of the mud particles in the drilling fluid to be degassed, and releasing helium.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the helium extraction system further includes:

[0049] The acquisition unit is used to acquire the liquid level data of the drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber;

[0050] The control unit includes an ultrasonic device activation module, which is used to activate the ultrasonic device when the level of the drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber exceeds a first set level threshold.

[0051] The control unit includes a drilling fluid input control module, which is used to stop inputting the drilling fluid to be degassed when the level of the drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber exceeds a second set level threshold.

[0052] In one possible implementation, the helium extraction system further includes:

[0053] The second monitoring unit is used to monitor the viscosity data of the drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber;

[0054] The control unit includes an input voltage control module, used to increase the input voltage when the viscosity of the drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber is greater than a set viscosity threshold.

[0055] In one possible implementation, the helium extraction system further includes:

[0056] The third monitoring unit is used to monitor the particle concentration data of the drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber;

[0057] The control unit includes a degassing control module, which controls the ultrasonic device to stop degassing when the particle concentration value of the drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber is greater than a set particle concentration threshold.

[0058] In one possible implementation, the helium extraction system further includes:

[0059] The fourth monitoring unit is used to monitor the pressure data inside the helium storage chamber;

[0060] The second solenoid valve control module is used to open the outlet solenoid valve of the helium storage chamber and export helium from the helium storage chamber when the pressure inside the helium storage chamber is greater than the pressure threshold of the outlet solenoid valve of the helium storage chamber.

[0061] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a helium extraction apparatus is provided, comprising:

[0062] Processor and memory;

[0063] The memory is used to store computer programs, and the processor calls the computer programs stored in the memory to execute the helium extraction method described above.

[0064] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein a computer program is stored therein, which, when executed by a processor, enables the processor to perform the helium extraction method described in any of the preceding claims.

[0065] This disclosure has the following beneficial effects:

[0066] High-efficiency desorption and separation: The extreme conditions (high temperature, micro-jet, turbulence) generated by ultrasonic cavitation significantly reduce the solubility and migration resistance of helium in complex fluids, promoting the rapid release of helium from the surface of mud particles; the multi-stage separation module (cyclone separation + ultrasonic enhanced separation) achieves efficient gas-solid-liquid stratification, increasing the helium recovery rate to over 60%, far exceeding the traditional process (<30%).

[0067] Dynamic adaptive optimization: Based on real-time monitoring, the intelligent control system (viscosity, particle concentration, pressure feedback) automatically adjusts the ultrasonic parameters (frequency, power density) to avoid energy waste or insufficient efficiency caused by fixed parameters.

[0068] Environmentally friendly and economical: No chemical reagents or high-temperature heat sources are required, reducing carbon emissions by 70%, meeting green chemical standards; modular structure and low energy consumption (50% energy saving compared to traditional processes) significantly reduce investment and operating costs, and the cost per well can be controlled within [a certain range]. Within.

[0069] Details of one or more embodiments of this application are set forth in the following drawings and description. Other features and advantages of this application will become apparent from the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0070] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure. It is obvious that the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this disclosure, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any inventive effort.

[0071] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a helium extraction method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0072] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a drilling fluid helium extraction system based on ultrasonic cavitation effect, as described in this exemplary embodiment.

[0073] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the integrated drilling fluid mud helium extraction system of this exemplary embodiment;

[0074] Figure 4 This is an exemplary embodiment. Figure 3 Side view;

[0075] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of a helium extraction system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0076] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a helium extraction device according to an exemplary embodiment of this invention.

[0077] In the diagram: 10. Helium storage chamber; 11. First pressure transmitter; 12. Diaphragm pump; 13. Helium storage chamber outlet solenoid valve; 14. Second pressure transmitter; 15. Industrial computer; 16. Viscosity sensor; 17. Gear motor; 18. Power socket; 19. Particle concentration sensor; 20. Stirring rod; 21. Sample inlet; 22. Helium outlet; 23. Waste outlet; 24. Ultrasonic device; 25. Helium separation body; 26. Helium separation chamber. Detailed Implementation

[0078] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, example embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided to make this disclosure more comprehensive and complete, and to fully convey the concept of the example embodiments to those skilled in the art. The described features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to give a full understanding of embodiments of this disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the technical solutions of this disclosure can be practiced with one or more of the specific details omitted, or other methods, components, apparatus, steps, etc., can be employed. In other instances, well-known technical solutions are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring various aspects of this disclosure.

[0079] Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are merely illustrative of this disclosure and are not necessarily drawn to scale. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts, and therefore repeated descriptions of them will be omitted. Some block diagrams shown in the drawings are functional entities and do not necessarily correspond to physically or logically independent entities. These functional entities may be implemented in software, in one or more hardware units or integrated circuits, or in different network and / or processor devices and / or microcontroller devices.

[0080] The flowchart shown in the attached diagram is merely an illustrative example and does not necessarily include all steps. For example, some steps may be broken down, while others may be combined or partially combined; therefore, the actual execution order may change depending on the specific circumstances.

[0081] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented, for example, in orders other than those illustrated or described herein.

[0082] Furthermore, the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or sub-modules is not necessarily limited to those steps or sub-modules that are explicitly listed, but may include other steps or sub-modules that are not explicitly listed or that are inherent to such process, method, product, or device.

[0083] This disclosure enhances the gas-solid-liquid three-phase separation efficiency by optimizing ultrasonic parameters, thereby enabling the rapid release of helium from drilling fluid mud.

[0084] Figure 1This is a flowchart of a helium extraction method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, such as... Figure 1 As shown, an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure provides a helium extraction method, including:

[0085] The drilling fluid is pre-treated by the pre-processing module to separate solid particles from the drilling fluid and obtain drilling fluid to be degassed.

[0086] Close the inlet solenoid valve of the helium storage chamber;

[0087] The drilling fluid to be degassed is transported to the helium separation chamber;

[0088] The drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber is oscillated using an ultrasonic device to release the helium gas from the drilling fluid.

[0089] Monitor the pressure data inside the helium separation chamber;

[0090] When the pressure inside the helium separation chamber is greater than the pressure threshold of the inlet solenoid valve of the helium storage chamber, the inlet solenoid valve of the helium storage chamber is opened, allowing the helium gas accumulated in the upper part of the helium separation chamber to enter the helium storage chamber.

[0091] like Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment provides a helium extraction method and system based on ultrasonic cavitation effect, which can effectively achieve rapid release of helium from drilling fluid mud. Specifically, this is achieved through the following measures: The drilling fluid helium separation method and system based on ultrasonic cavitation effect includes a helium separation main body, a pre-processing section, and a control section. The helium separation main body is cylindrical, and its interior can be divided into a helium separation chamber and a helium storage chamber. The helium separation chamber and the helium storage chamber are connected by a solenoid valve. A liquid level sensor, a viscosity sensor, and a particle concentration sensor are arranged on the inner wall of the helium separation chamber to monitor the mud state in real time and provide feedback on the ultrasonic output. An ultrasonic transducer array and an ultrasonic coupling plate are arranged at the bottom of the helium separation chamber to achieve the ultrasonic cavitation effect. The pre-processing section of the system mainly includes a pre-separation device, connecting the drilling site and the helium separation main body, whose main function is to initially separate solid particles from the drilling fluid. The control section of the system mainly includes an integrated control module, an ultrasonic drive module, and a host computer, which respectively realize overall system control, ultrasonic transducer drive, and user interaction operation.

[0092] In this embodiment, the pre-treated drilling fluid (mud) to be degassed enters the helium separation unit via the pipeline system. The helium separation unit includes a helium separation chamber and a helium storage chamber. First, the inlet solenoid valve of the helium storage chamber is closed, and the ultrasonic drive module is activated to drive the ultrasonic transducer array. The pressure sensor reading P in the helium separation chamber is monitored. When P is greater than the opening pressure threshold P0 of the storage chamber solenoid valve, the host computer issues an action command, and the solenoid valve opens. Since the density of helium is significantly less than that of air, the helium accumulated in the upper part of the separation chamber enters the helium storage chamber.

[0093] This embodiment can achieve the following:

[0094] High-efficiency desorption and separation: The extreme conditions (high temperature, micro-jet, turbulence) generated by ultrasonic cavitation significantly reduce the solubility and migration resistance of helium in complex fluids, promoting the rapid release of helium from the surface of mud particles; the multi-stage separation module (cyclone separation + ultrasonic enhanced separation) achieves efficient gas-solid-liquid stratification, increasing the helium recovery rate to over 60%, far exceeding the traditional process (<30%).

[0095] Dynamic adaptive optimization: Based on real-time monitoring, the intelligent control system (viscosity, particle concentration, pressure feedback) automatically adjusts the ultrasonic parameters (frequency, power density) to avoid energy waste or insufficient efficiency caused by fixed parameters.

[0096] Environmentally friendly and economical: No chemical reagents or high-temperature heat sources are required, reducing carbon emissions by 70%, meeting green chemical standards; modular structure and low energy consumption (50% energy saving compared to traditional processes) significantly reduce investment and operating costs, and the cost per well can be controlled within [a certain range]. Within.

[0097] Specifically, the drilling fluid is pretreated through a pre-processing module to separate solid particles from the drilling fluid and obtain the drilling fluid to be degassed, including:

[0098] Coarse solid particles in the drilling fluid are separated by a hydrocyclone separator using centrifugal force gradient to obtain the drilling fluid to be degassed.

[0099] The air column generated during the separation of coarse solid particles is liquid-sealed using a buffer settling tank.

[0100] In this embodiment, after the drilling fluid is drawn from the drill bit, it enters the pretreatment module. In this module, coarse particles in the drilling fluid are screened out to prevent damage to the piping system and subsequent reaction chambers. The pretreatment module may include a pre-separation device and corresponding piping, and its interior includes a hydrocyclone separator and a buffer settling tank. The hydrocyclone separator uses a centrifugal force gradient (exemplarily, acceleration 200-800G) to separate coarse solid particles (exemplarily, particle size >50μm). In addition to liquid sealing the air column generated during the separation of coarse solid particles, the buffer settling tank can further separate incompletely desorbed solid particles.

[0101] In this embodiment, a low-pressure air column forms at the center of the cyclone separator during normal operation. If the bottom outlet of the cyclone separator is directly exposed to the atmosphere, air will be drawn in from the bottom, disrupting the internal air column and flow field. In this embodiment, the bottom outlet of the cyclone separator (the outlet for discharging coarse drilling fluid) extends below the liquid surface of the buffer settling tank, thereby effectively isolating external air and preventing air from being drawn into the cyclone separator.

[0102] Specifically, the drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber is agitated using an ultrasonic device to release helium from the drilling fluid, including:

[0103] Turn on the ultrasonic drive module in the ultrasonic device;

[0104] The ultrasonic transducer array in the ultrasonic device is driven by the ultrasonic drive module.

[0105] The ultrasonic transducer array induces ultrasonic cavitation in the drilling fluid to be degassed, causing the bubbles in the drilling fluid to collapse under the nonlinear action of ultrasound, destroying the physical adsorption structure on the surface of the mud particles in the drilling fluid to be degassed, and releasing helium.

[0106] In this embodiment, the ultrasonic transducer array is deployed at the bottom of the helium separation chamber, and its operating frequency range is 28-40kHz. When the ultrasonic transducer operates in the linear region, its sound pressure P can be expressed as:

[0107] ;

[0108] In the formula, d 33 is the longitudinal strain constant (m / V) of the piezoelectric crystal. Q m It is the mechanical quality factor (dimensionless), and V is the input voltage (V). A The transducer's radiating area (m²) is... Za It is acoustic radiation impedance ( ), f This is the input frequency. Given the basic parameters of the ultrasonic transducer, its radiated acoustic field in the drilling fluid can be expressed by the following equation:

[0109] ;

[0110] In the formula, t For time, ρ For drilling fluid density, β This represents the volume fraction of air bubbles. p Sound pressure (Pa). c eff This is the equivalent sound velocity of the drilling fluid. When the sound pressure... p Large enough, the transducer induces ultrasonic cavitation in the drilling fluid, producing air bubbles (volume fraction) in the drilling fluid. β The transducer collapses instantaneously under ultrasonic nonlinearity, releasing high-temperature and high-frequency shock waves far exceeding conventional thermodynamic conditions. This disrupts the physical adsorption structure on the surface of the mud particles, thereby promoting helium release. In this embodiment, the transducer surface does not directly contact the mud, extending the service life of the ultrasonic transducer. The ultrasound generated by the transducer is transmitted to the helium separation chamber through an ultrasonic coupling plate with an acoustic impedance between the transducer surface and the mud. The ultrasonic coupling plate is made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) with an acoustic impedance... ) or polyetheretherketone (acoustic impedance) Acoustic impedance is between that of water (acoustic impedance) ) and transducer surface metal (stainless steel acoustic impedance) ( ) polymer materials.

[0111] Specifically, helium extraction methods also include:

[0112] Obtain the liquid level data of the drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber;

[0113] When the level of the drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber exceeds the first set level threshold, the ultrasonic device is activated.

[0114] When the level of the drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber exceeds the second set level threshold, the input of the drilling fluid to be degassed is stopped.

[0115] In this embodiment, when the drilling fluid level H reaches the level sensor installation position H0 (first set level threshold), the ultrasonic drive module is activated to drive the ultrasonic transducer array.

[0116] This embodiment enables automated liquid level monitoring and control, improving degassing efficiency; avoiding gas accumulation and overflow risks; preventing equipment blockage or leakage due to excessively high liquid levels, ensuring safe and stable system operation; and reducing idling losses by activating the ultrasonic device only when needed.

[0117] Specifically, helium extraction methods also include:

[0118] Monitor the viscosity data of the drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber;

[0119] When the viscosity of the drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber exceeds the set viscosity threshold, the input voltage is increased.

[0120] In this embodiment, the viscosity sensor is monitored in real time during the degassing process. When the viscosity sensor reading μ is greater than the set viscosity threshold μ0, the input voltage V is increased to ensure degassing efficiency. The specific correspondence between the viscosity sensor reading μ and the input voltage V is calibrated using a PID controller.

[0121] Specifically, helium extraction methods also include:

[0122] Monitor the particle concentration data of the drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber;

[0123] When the particle concentration of the drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber exceeds the set particle concentration threshold, the ultrasonic device is controlled to stop degassed.

[0124] In this embodiment, the particle concentration sensor data is monitored in real time during the degassing process. When the particle concentration D exceeds the set threshold D0, the degassing process stops to prevent damage to the device from continued degassing.

[0125] Specifically, in the helium extraction method, when the pressure inside the helium separation chamber is greater than the pressure threshold of the inlet solenoid valve of the helium storage chamber, the inlet solenoid valve of the helium storage chamber is opened, allowing the helium accumulated in the upper part of the helium separation chamber to enter the helium storage chamber, followed by:

[0126] Monitor the pressure data inside the helium storage chamber;

[0127] When the pressure inside the helium storage chamber exceeds the pressure threshold of the outlet solenoid valve of the helium storage chamber, the outlet solenoid valve of the helium storage chamber is opened to release the helium from the helium storage chamber.

[0128] In this embodiment, helium is discharged from the system once the storage chamber pressure reaches a critical value. This ensures system safety by automatically depressurizing, effectively preventing leaks or explosions in the helium storage chamber due to excessive pressure. It also maintains stable pressure, ensuring the helium storage chamber always operates within the optimal pressure range, providing stable conditions for upstream degassing and downstream helium utilization. Furthermore, it enables automated operation: without manual intervention, the system automatically monitors and adjusts the pressure, improving operational efficiency and reliability.

[0129] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, this disclosure provides an integrated helium extraction system for drilling fluid mud, including a helium separation body 25, which is mainly composed of a helium storage chamber 10, a pressure transmitter, a diaphragm pump 12, a solenoid valve, an industrial control computer 15, a sensor, a geared motor 17, a power socket 18, a stirring rod 20, an ultrasonic device 24, and other components.

[0130] A stirring rod 20 is installed inside the helium separation chamber 26, and a geared motor 17 is installed outside the helium separation chamber 26. The output shaft of the geared motor 17 is connected to the stirring rod 20. The stirring rod 20 can increase the bubble density in the drilling fluid to be degassed, thereby increasing the cavitation degassing efficiency. The stirring rod 20 is connected to the geared motor 17, and the geared motor 17 provides power to the stirring rod 20.

[0131] The bottom of the helium separation chamber 26 is provided with a waste slag outlet 23 for discharging the degassed drilling fluid waste slag; the side of the helium separation chamber 26 is provided with a sample inlet 21 for inputting the drilling fluid to be degassed.

[0132] The helium separation chamber 26 and the helium storage chamber 10 are connected by a diaphragm pump 12 and a pipeline. The diaphragm pump can draw the helium gas that has been separated from the helium storage chamber 10 into the helium storage chamber 10 through the pipeline.

[0133] An ultrasonic device 24 is installed at the bottom of the helium separation chamber 26. The ultrasonic device 24 includes an ultrasonic transducer array and an ultrasonic coupling plate. The ultrasonic transducer array is located on the outer wall of the helium separation chamber 26, and the ultrasonic coupling plate is located on the inner wall of the helium separation chamber 26. The surface of the ultrasonic transducer array does not directly contact the slurry. The ultrasound generated by the ultrasonic transducer array is transmitted to the helium separation chamber through the ultrasonic coupling plate. The ultrasonic coupling plate is made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). ) or polyetheretherketone (acoustic impedance) Acoustic impedance is between that of water (acoustic impedance) ) and transducer surface metal (stainless steel acoustic impedance) ( ) polymer materials.

[0134] The helium separation chamber 26 is equipped with a viscosity sensor 16 and a particle concentration sensor 19, which are used to monitor drilling fluid viscosity data and particle concentration data, respectively.

[0135] The first pressure transmitter 11 is used to monitor the pressure data in the helium storage chamber, and the second pressure transmitter 14 is used to monitor the pressure data in the helium separation chamber 26.

[0136] The industrial control computer is used to adjust the parameters of the ultrasonic device based on the data monitored by the sensors;

[0137] Power socket 18 is used to connect to the working power supply to power electrical devices such as industrial control computers, geared motors, solenoid valves, pressure transmitters, diaphragm pumps, ultrasonic devices, and sensors.

[0138] The top of the helium storage chamber 10 is provided with a helium outlet 22, and a helium storage chamber outlet solenoid valve 13 is provided in the pipeline connected to the helium outlet 22 to control the helium output.

[0139] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of a helium extraction system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, such as... Figure 5 As shown, an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure provides a helium extraction system, including:

[0140] The pre-processing module is used to pre-treat the drilling fluid, separate solid particles from the drilling fluid, and obtain the drilling fluid to be degassed.

[0141] The control unit includes a first solenoid valve control module for closing the inlet solenoid valve of the helium storage chamber;

[0142] A conveying unit is used to convey the drilling fluid to be degassed to the helium separation chamber;

[0143] An ultrasonic device is used to vibrate the drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber, so as to release the helium in the drilling fluid to be degassed.

[0144] The first monitoring unit is used to monitor the pressure data inside the helium separation chamber;

[0145] The first solenoid valve control module is also used to open the inlet solenoid valve of the helium storage chamber when the pressure inside the helium separation chamber is greater than the pressure threshold of the inlet solenoid valve of the helium storage chamber, so that the helium gas gathered in the upper part of the helium separation chamber enters the helium storage chamber.

[0146] Specifically, the front-end processing module includes:

[0147] A hydrocyclone separator is used to separate coarse solid particles from drilling fluid using centrifugal force gradient to obtain drilling fluid to be degassed.

[0148] A buffer settling tank is used to liquid seal the air column generated during the separation of coarse solid particles.

[0149] Specifically, the ultrasonic device includes: an ultrasonic drive module and an ultrasonic transducer array, and the control unit includes an ultrasonic control module;

[0150] The ultrasonic control module is used to activate the ultrasonic drive module in the ultrasonic device.

[0151] An ultrasonic drive module is used to drive the ultrasonic transducer array in an ultrasonic device.

[0152] An ultrasonic transducer array is used to induce ultrasonic cavitation in the drilling fluid to be degassed, causing the bubbles in the drilling fluid to collapse under the nonlinear action of ultrasound, destroying the physical adsorption structure on the surface of the mud particles in the drilling fluid to be degassed, and releasing helium.

[0153] Specifically, the helium extraction system also includes:

[0154] The acquisition unit is used to acquire the liquid level data of the drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber;

[0155] The control unit includes an ultrasonic device activation module, which is used to activate the ultrasonic device when the level of the drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber exceeds a first set level threshold.

[0156] The control unit includes a drilling fluid input control module, which is used to stop inputting the drilling fluid to be degassed when the level of the drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber exceeds a second set level threshold.

[0157] Specifically, the helium extraction system also includes:

[0158] The second monitoring unit is used to monitor the viscosity data of the drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber;

[0159] The control unit includes an input voltage control module, used to increase the input voltage when the viscosity of the drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber is greater than a set viscosity threshold.

[0160] Specifically, the helium extraction system also includes:

[0161] The third monitoring unit is used to monitor the particle concentration data of the drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber;

[0162] The control unit includes a degassing control module, which controls the ultrasonic device to stop degassing when the particle concentration value of the drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber is greater than a set particle concentration threshold.

[0163] Specifically, the helium extraction system also includes:

[0164] The fourth monitoring unit is used to monitor the pressure data inside the helium storage chamber;

[0165] The second solenoid valve control module is used to open the outlet solenoid valve of the helium storage chamber and export helium from the helium storage chamber when the pressure inside the helium storage chamber is greater than the pressure threshold of the outlet solenoid valve of the helium storage chamber.

[0166] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a helium extraction device according to an exemplary embodiment of this invention. Figure 6As shown, corresponding to the helium extraction method provided above, this disclosure also provides a helium extraction device. Since the embodiment of this device is similar to the embodiment of the method described above, the description is relatively simple. For relevant details, please refer to the description in the method embodiment section above. The device described below is merely illustrative. The device may include: a processor 1, a memory 2, a communication bus (i.e., the aforementioned device bus), and a lookup engine. The processor 1 and the memory 2 communicate with each other via the communication bus and communicate with external systems via a communication interface. The processor 1 can call logical instructions in the memory 2 to execute the helium extraction method.

[0167] Furthermore, the logical instructions in the aforementioned memory 2 can be implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, and can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this disclosure, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods of the various embodiments of this disclosure. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as memory chips, USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0168] On the other hand, this disclosure also provides a processor-readable storage medium storing a computer program 3, which, when executed by a processor 1, is implemented to perform the helium extraction methods provided in the above embodiments.

[0169] The processor-readable storage medium can be any available medium or data storage device that the processor 1 can access, including but not limited to magnetic memory (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, magneto-optical disk (MO)), optical memory (e.g., CD, DVD, BD, HVD), and semiconductor memory (e.g., ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, non-volatile memory (NAND FLASH), solid-state drive (SSD)).

[0170] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this disclosure. The scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. All technical solutions falling within the scope of this disclosure are protected. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, any improvements and modifications made without departing from the principles of this disclosure should be considered within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A method for extracting helium, characterized in that, include: The drilling fluid is pre-treated by the pre-processing module to separate solid particles from the drilling fluid and obtain drilling fluid to be degassed. Close the inlet solenoid valve of the helium storage chamber; The drilling fluid to be degassed is transported to the helium separation chamber; The drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber is oscillated using an ultrasonic device to release the helium gas from the drilling fluid. Monitor the pressure data inside the helium separation chamber; When the pressure inside the helium separation chamber is greater than the pressure threshold of the inlet solenoid valve of the helium storage chamber, the inlet solenoid valve of the helium storage chamber is opened, allowing the helium gas accumulated in the upper part of the helium separation chamber to enter the helium storage chamber.

2. The helium extraction method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drilling fluid is pretreated by a pre-processing module to separate solid particles and obtain drilling fluid to be degassed, including: Coarse solid particles in the drilling fluid are separated by a hydrocyclone separator using centrifugal force gradient to obtain the drilling fluid to be degassed. The air column generated during the separation of coarse solid particles is liquid-sealed using a buffer settling tank.

3. The helium extraction method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber is agitated using an ultrasonic device to release helium from the drilling fluid, including: Turn on the ultrasonic drive module in the ultrasonic device; The ultrasonic transducer array in the ultrasonic device is driven by the ultrasonic drive module. The ultrasonic transducer array induces ultrasonic cavitation in the drilling fluid to be degassed, causing the bubbles in the drilling fluid to collapse under the nonlinear action of ultrasound, destroying the physical adsorption structure on the surface of the mud particles in the drilling fluid to be degassed, and releasing helium.

4. The helium extraction method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Obtain the liquid level data of the drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber; When the level of the drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber exceeds the first set level threshold, the ultrasonic device is activated. When the level of the drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber exceeds the second set level threshold, the input of the drilling fluid to be degassed is stopped.

5. The helium extraction method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Monitor the viscosity data of the drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber; When the viscosity of the drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber exceeds the set viscosity threshold, the input voltage is increased.

6. The helium extraction method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Monitor the particle concentration data of the drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber; When the particle concentration of the drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber exceeds the set particle concentration threshold, the ultrasonic device is controlled to stop degassed.

7. The helium extraction method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the pressure inside the helium separation chamber exceeds the pressure threshold of the inlet solenoid valve of the helium storage chamber, the inlet solenoid valve of the helium storage chamber is opened, allowing the helium gas accumulated in the upper part of the helium separation chamber to enter the helium storage chamber, followed by: Monitor the pressure data inside the helium storage chamber; When the pressure inside the helium storage chamber exceeds the pressure threshold of the outlet solenoid valve of the helium storage chamber, the outlet solenoid valve of the helium storage chamber is opened to release the helium from the helium storage chamber.

8. A helium extraction system, characterized in that, include: The pre-processing module is used to pre-treat the drilling fluid, separate solid particles from the drilling fluid, and obtain the drilling fluid to be degassed. The control unit includes a first solenoid valve control module for closing the inlet solenoid valve of the helium storage chamber; A conveying unit is used to convey the drilling fluid to be degassed to the helium separation chamber; An ultrasonic device is used to vibrate the drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber, so as to release the helium in the drilling fluid to be degassed. The first monitoring unit is used to monitor the pressure data inside the helium separation chamber; The first solenoid valve control module is also used to open the inlet solenoid valve of the helium storage chamber when the pressure inside the helium separation chamber is greater than the pressure threshold of the inlet solenoid valve of the helium storage chamber, so that the helium gas gathered in the upper part of the helium separation chamber enters the helium storage chamber.

9. The helium extraction system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The pre-processing module includes: A hydrocyclone separator is used to separate coarse solid particles from drilling fluid using centrifugal force gradient to obtain drilling fluid to be degassed. A buffer settling tank is used to liquid seal the air column generated during the separation of coarse solid particles.

10. The helium extraction system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The ultrasonic device includes an ultrasonic drive module and an ultrasonic transducer array, and the control unit includes an ultrasonic control module; The ultrasonic control module is used to activate the ultrasonic drive module in the ultrasonic device. An ultrasonic drive module is used to drive the ultrasonic transducer array in an ultrasonic device. An ultrasonic transducer array is used to induce ultrasonic cavitation in the drilling fluid to be degassed, causing the bubbles in the drilling fluid to collapse under the nonlinear action of ultrasound, destroying the physical adsorption structure on the surface of the mud particles in the drilling fluid to be degassed, and releasing helium.

11. The helium extraction system according to claim 8, characterized in that, Also includes: The acquisition unit is used to acquire the liquid level data of the drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber; The control unit includes an ultrasonic device activation module, which is used to activate the ultrasonic device when the level of the drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber exceeds a first set level threshold. The control unit includes a drilling fluid input control module, which is used to stop inputting the drilling fluid to be degassed when the level of the drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber exceeds a second set level threshold.

12. The helium extraction system according to claim 8, characterized in that, Also includes: The second monitoring unit is used to monitor the viscosity data of the drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber; The control unit includes an input voltage control module, used to increase the input voltage when the viscosity of the drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber is greater than a set viscosity threshold.

13. The helium extraction system according to claim 8, characterized in that, Also includes: The third monitoring unit is used to monitor the particle concentration data of the drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber; The control unit includes a degassing control module, which controls the ultrasonic device to stop degassing when the particle concentration value of the drilling fluid to be degassed in the helium separation chamber is greater than a set particle concentration threshold.

14. The helium extraction system according to claim 8, characterized in that, Also includes: The fourth monitoring unit is used to monitor the pressure data inside the helium storage chamber; The second solenoid valve control module is used to open the outlet solenoid valve of the helium storage chamber and export helium from the helium storage chamber when the pressure inside the helium storage chamber is greater than the pressure threshold of the outlet solenoid valve of the helium storage chamber.

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