Drying wet cuttings for imaging

Abstract

Devices, systems, and methods for drying wet cuttings for imaging are described herein. In some examples, one or more embodiments include a device comprising a frame, a perforated liner connected to the frame, where the perforated liner is to receive cuttings generated from a downhole tool during a drilling operation, and a cap connected to a top portion of the frame to prevent the cuttings from exiting the perforated liner.

Description

DRYING WET CUTTINGS FOR IMAGINGCross Reference Paragraph

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 616,959, entitled "IMAGING WET CUTTINGS" filed January 02, 2024, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.Background

[0002] Wellbores may be drilled into a surface location or seabed for a variety of exploratory or extraction purposes. For example, a wellbore may be drilled to access fluids, such as liguid and / or gaseous hydrocarbons, stored in subterranean formations and to extract the fluids from the formations. Wellbores used to produce or extract fluids may be lined with casing around the walls of the wellbore. A variety of drilling methods may be utilized depending partly on the characteristics of the formation through which the wellbore is drilled.

[0003] A drilling system can provide weight on the bit using one or more drill collars positioned in a bottom hole assembly near the bit. Bottom hole assemblies can also include communication devices to transmit information about the bit and other downhole parameters to receiving devices uphole from the bit.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0004] Figure 1 is an example schematic representation of a drilling system, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0005] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an example of a device immersed in a fluid and removed from the fluid for drying wet cuttings for imaging, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0006] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an example of a device having a first absorbable material for drying wet cuttings for imaging, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0007] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an example of a device having a second absorbable material for drying wet cuttings for imaging, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0008] Figure 5 illustrates an example of a method for drying wet cuttings for imaging, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0009] Figure 6 illustrates an example of color parameters of cuttings in images of the cuttings over time, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0010] Figure 7 illustrates an example of a graph 746 of a color parameter 746 over time, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0011] Figure 8 illustrates an example of a graph of a color parameter over time, in accordance with one or more embodiments.Detailed Description

[0012] Drilling operations for fluids such as liquid and / or gaseous hydrocarbons can utilize a drilling system to drill a wellbore to locate such fluids. During drilling operations, a drill bit can drill an earth formation to locate and / or access fluids mentioned above.

[0013] Earth formations can be comprised of varying layers that can include different lithographic properties. The different lithographic properties of these varying layers can distinguish individual layers in the earth formation through which drilling operations can occur.

[0014] The lithographic properties of these varying layers can include, for example, surface porosity of the cuttings among other examples, and such lithographic properties can directly relate to different crushing mechanisms, rates of penetration, etc. for the layers that may have different lithographic properties (e.g., through different layers of earth formations) through which the downhole tool may penetrate. As a result, drilling parameters such as the type of drill bit, the amount of weight on the bit, the bits rotation per minute (RPM), etc. may vary depending on the layer through which drilling operations are taking place. Accordingly, it can be beneficial to determine the lithographic properties of cuttings generated during drilling operations in order to optimize the drilling parameters for those specific layers of earth formation in which drilling operations are being performed.

[0015] In order to perform lithographic analysis, cuttings from the drilling operation can be analyzed utilizing images of the cuttings taken by an imaging device. To prepare the cuttings for imaging, the cuttings are typically cleaned prior to imaging. For example, the cuttings can be water-based mud cuttings or oil-basedmud cuttings, but have to be cleaned in order to sufficiently image the cuttings for lithographic analysis.

[0016] As a result of the cuttings being cleaned, cuttings are typically wet. Previous approaches for imaging the cuttings include imaging the cuttings while wet or drying the cuttings utilizing a spin dryer. However, if the cuttings are too wet, the excess water on the surface of the cuttings can reflect light, causing white spots captured during imaging. These white spots can reduce the image quality of the cuttings and may lead to inaccurate color or lithology evaluation by a user (e.g., a geologist). As a result of the image quality degradation, the effectiveness of automatic analysis techniques (e.g., using artificial intelligence algorithms) of the image can suffer.

[0017] Other previous approaches include utilizing a spin-drying device to completely dry the cuttings. However, utilizing a spin-drying approach leads to long drying times to completely dry the cuttings, as the spin-drying device is temperature limited due to safety regulations.

[0018] Drying wet cuttings for imaging, according to the disclosure, can allow for excessive fluid to be removed from the cuttings to allow for proper imaging of the cuttings. For example, a device including a perforated liner can allow for excessive fluid to be removed from the cuttings without having to completely dry the cuttings. While the cuttings are not completely dry, they can still be imaged to produce an image with high enough quality for accurate color and / or lithology evaluation, as compared with previous approaches.

[0019] In the following description, numerous details are set forth to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present disclosure. It is to be understood that the following disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of various embodiments. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the disclosure. These are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the system and / or methodology may be practiced without these details and that numerous variations or modifications from the described embodiments are possible. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but rather made merely for the purpose of describing general principles of the implementations. The scope of thedescribed implementations should be ascertained with reference to the issued claims.

[0020] As used herein, the terms “connect”, “connection”, “connected”, “in connection with”, and “connecting” are used to mean “in direct connection with” or “in connection with via one or more elements”; and the term “set” is used to mean “one element” or “more than one element”. Further, the terms “couple”, “coupling”, “coupled”, “coupled together”, and “coupled with” are used to mean “directly coupled together” or “coupled together via one or more elements”. As used herein, the terms "up" and "down"; "upper" and "lower"; "top" and "bottom"; and other like terms indicating relative positions to a given point or element are utilized to more clearly describe some elements. Commonly, these terms relate to a reference point at the surface from which drilling operations are initiated as being the top point and the total depth being the lowest point, wherein the well (e.g., wellbore, borehole) is vertical, horizontal or slanted relative to the surface.

[0021] Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,” “about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent a value, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, or characteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1 % of, and / or within less than 0.01 % of the stated amount. As another example, in certain embodiments, the terms “generally parallel” and “substantially parallel” or “generally perpendicular” and “substantially perpendicular” refer to a value, amount, or characteristic that departs from exactly parallel or perpendicular, respectively, by less than or equal to 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, or 0.1 degree.

[0022] These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to practice one or more embodiments of this disclosure. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that process, electrical, and / or structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0023] As will be appreciated, elements shown in the various embodiments herein can be added, exchanged, combined, and / or eliminated so as to provide anumber of additional embodiments of the present disclosure. The proportion and the relative scale of the elements provided in the figures are intended to illustrate the embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be taken in a limiting sense.

[0024] The figures herein follow a numbering convention in which the first digit or digits correspond to the drawing figure number and the remaining digits identify an element or component in the drawing. Similar elements or components between different figures may be identified by the use of similar digits. For example, 111 may reference element “11” in Figure 1 , and a similar element may be referenced as 211 in Figure 2.

[0025] As used herein, “a”, “an”, or “a number of” something can refer to one or more such things, while “a plurality of” something can refer to more than one such things. For example, “a number of components” can refer to one or more components, while “a plurality of components” can refer to more than one component.

[0026] Figure 1 is an example schematic representation of a drilling system 100, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The drilling system 100 includes a drill rig 103 used to turn a drilling tool assembly 104 which extends downward into the wellbore 102. The drilling tool assembly 104 may include a drill string 105, a bottom hole assembly 106, and a bit 110 attached to the downhole end of the drill string 105.

[0027] The drill string 105 may include several joints of drill pipe 108 connected end-to-end through tool joints 109. The drill string 105 transmits drilling fluid through a central bore and transmits rotational power from the drill rig 103 to the bottom hole assembly 106. In some embodiments, the drill string 105 may further include additional components such as subs, pup joints, etc. The drill pipe 108 provides a hydraulic passage through which drilling fluid is pumped from the surface. The drilling fluid discharges through selected-size nozzles, jets, or other orifices inthe bit 110 for the purposes of cooling the bit 110 and cutting structures thereon, and for lifting cuttings out of the wellbore 102 as it is being drilled.

[0028] The bottom hole assembly 106 may include the bit 110 or other components. An example bottom hole assembly 106 may include additional or other components (e.g., coupled between to the drill string 105 and to the bit 110).Examples of additional bottom hole assembly 106 components include a degasserprobe, drill collars, stabilizers, measurement-while-drilling (“MWD”) tools, logging- while-drilling (“LWD”) tools, rotary steerable system (“RSS”) tools, sensor(s), downhole motors, steering tools, underreamers, section mills, hydraulic disconnects, jars, vibration or dampening tools, other components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0029] In general, the drilling system 100 may include other drilling components and accessories, such as special valves (e.g., Kelly cocks, blowout preventers, and safety valves). Additional components included in the drilling system 100 may be considered a part of the drilling tool assembly 104, the drill string 105, or a part of the bottom hole assembly 106 depending on their locations in the drilling system 100.

[0030] The bit 110 in the bottom hole assembly 106 may be any type of bit suitable for degrading downhole materials. For instance, the bit 110 may be a drill bit suitable for drilling the earth formation 101 . Example types of drill bits used for drilling earth formations are fixed-cutter or drag bits. In other embodiments, the bit 110 may be a mill used for removing metal, composite, elastomer, other materials downhole, and / or combinations thereof. For instance, the bit 110 may be used with a whipstock to mill into casing 107 lining the wellbore 102. The bit 110 may also be a junk mill used to mill away tools, plugs, cement, other materials within the wellbore 102, and / or combinations thereof. Swarf or other cuttings formed by use of a mill may be lifted to the surface or may be allowed to fall downhole.

[0031] As mentioned above, the bottom hole assembly 106 can generate cuttings as a result of drilling operations. The cuttings can be provided to a device 112. The device 112 can allow for the drying of the cuttings for imaging, as is further described herein.

[0032] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an example of a device 212 immersed in a fluid and removed from the fluid for drying wet cuttings for imaging, in accordance with one or more embodiments. As illustrated in Figure 2, the device 212-1 can be immersed in a fluid and the device 212-2 can be removed from the fluid.

[0033] The device 212 can include a frame 214. The frame 214 can be a rigid structure that allows for a perforated liner 216 to be connected thereto. The perforated liner 216 can be a material with holes that allows the transmission of fluid between the holes, as is further described herein. In some examples, the perforatedliner 216 can be a metal mesh, although embodiments are not limited to a metal mesh. For example, the perforated liner 216 can be made of polymer materials, and can include perforations if varying sizes (e.g., smaller or larger).

[0034] As mentioned above, during drilling operations, cuttings 218 may be retrieved from a wellbore. It can be desirable to perform a lithographic analysis on the cuttings 218 in order to determine information about the wellbore. For example, information about the varying layers of earth through which the wellbore is cutting can be important information for an operator of the drill. Drilling parameters such as the type of drill bit, the amount of weight on the bit, RPM of the bit, etc. may be useful parameters to optimize using the lithographic properties of cuttings 218 generated during drilling operations.

[0035] Accordingly, the perforated liner 216 can receive cuttings 218 from a wellbore. As mentioned above, the cuttings 218 can be generated from a downhole tool during a drilling operation.

[0036] In order to prepare the cuttings for imaging, the device 212-1 can be immersed in a fluid. The fluid can be, for example, water, such that the cuttings 218 can absorb an amount of the fluid (e.g., water) while they are immersed in the fluid.

[0037] As mentioned above, the perforated liner 216 can include the perforations so as to allow the fluid into and out of the device 212-1. As such, the fluid can interact with the cuttings 218 while the device 212-1 is immersed in the fluid. In some examples, the cuttings 218 can be immersed in the fluid for two hours, although embodiments of the disclosure are not limited. For example, the cuttings 218 can be immersed in the fluid for more than two hours or less than two hours.

[0038] After the immersion, the device 212-2 can be removed from the fluid. At this point, the cuttings 218 can have absorbed an amount of fluid, which can be absorbed by various absorbable materials, as is further described herein.

[0039] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an example of a device 312 having a first absorbable material 320 for drying wet cuttings for imaging, in accordance with one or more embodiments. As illustrated in Figure 3, the device 312 has been removed from the fluid.

[0040] As illustrated in Figure 3, the device 312-3 has been removed from the fluid. The device 312-3 can receive a first absorbable material 320. The firstabsorbable material 320 can absorb a first portion of the amount of the fluid from the cuttings 318, as is further described herein.

[0041] In some examples, the first absorbable material 320 is a paper tissue material. For example, the first absorbable material 320 can be a material that is a lightweight paper material that is capable of absorbing a fluid.

[0042] After removal from the fluid, the device 312-3 can receive the first absorbable material 320. The first absorbable material 320 can be attached to the device 312-3 after removing the device 312-3 from the fluid. The first absorbable material 320 can be connected to the device 312-3 at a bottom portion 313 of the device 312-3.

[0043] Accordingly, after the device 312-3 is removed from the fluid and the first absorbable material 320 is connected to the bottom portion 313 of the device 312-3, the first absorbable material 320 can absorb a first portion of the amount of the fluid from the cuttings 318. For example, gravity can cause excess fluid (e.g., the first portion of the amount of the fluid) from the cuttings 318 to drip from the cuttings 318 and onto the first absorbable material 320 at the bottom portion 313 of the device 312-3. The first absorbable material 320 can absorb the first portion of the amount of the fluid (e.g., as a result of gravity causing the first portion of the amount of fluid to drip from the cuttings 318 through the perforated liner 316 to the first absorbable material 320 at the bottom portion 313 of the device 312-3).

[0044] After the first absorbable material 320 has absorbed the first portion of the amount of the fluid, the first absorbable material 320 can be removed from the device 312-4. At this point, the cuttings 318 can still include excess fluid and so imaging the cuttings at this point may cause white spots in the image as a result of the excess fluid on the surface of the cuttings 318, which may result in a reduced image quality of the cuttings and result in inaccurate color or lithology evaluation.

[0045] As such, the device 312-4 can include a further absorbable material, as is further described herein. Additionally, the device 312-4 can include a cap 317. The cap 317 can additionally include a perforated liner similar to the perforated liner 316. For example, the perforated liner of the cap 317 can be a metal mesh, although embodiments are not so limited to a metal mesh, as described above.

[0046] The cap 317 can be connected to a top portion 315 of the device 312- 4. The cap 317 can prevent the cuttings 318 from exiting the perforated liner 316, as is further described herein.

[0047] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an example of a device 412 having a second absorbable material 422 for drying wet cuttings for imaging, in accordance with one or more embodiments. As illustrated in Figure 4, the device 412 can be vibrated to cause the second absorbable material 422 to absorb additional fluid, as is further described herein.

[0048] As illustrated in Figure 4, the device 412-5 can receive a second absorbable material 422. The second absorbable material 422 can absorb a second portion of the amount of the fluid from the cuttings 418, as is further described herein.

[0049] In some examples, the second absorbable material 422 is a paper tissue material. For example, the second absorbable material 422 can be a material that is a lightweight paper material that is capable of absorbing a fluid.

[0050] The second absorbable material 422 can be attached to the device 412-5 after removing the first absorbable material (e.g., previously described in connection with Figure 3). The second absorbable material 422 can be connected to the device 412-5 such that the second absorbable material 422 encompasses the device 412-5. For example, the second absorbable material 422 can cover the top portion, the bottom portion, and the side portions of the device 412-5.

[0051] In order to cause the second absorbable material 422 to absorb the second portion of the amount of the fluid from the cuttings 418, the device 412-5 can be vibrated after the first absorbable material has absorbed the first portion of the amount of the fluid. For example, the device 412-5 can be exposed to oscillations about an equilibrium point in order to vibrate and shake the cuttings 418 located in the perforated liner 416. The device 412-5 can be vibrated manually, utilizing a vibration generation mechanism, etc.

[0052] Vibrating the device 412-5 can cause the second portion of the amount of the fluid, absorbed by the cuttings 418 while the device 412-5 was immersed in fluid, to be absorbed by the second absorbable material 422 encompassing the device 412-5. In other words, vibrations imparted upon the device 412-5 can cause the second portion of the amount of the fluid from the cuttings 418 (e.g., that did notdrip down onto the first absorbable material) to be absorbed by the second absorbable material 422 (e.g., due to the vibration of the device 412-5).

[0053] Accordingly, the second absorbable material 422 can be removed from the device 412-6 after absorbing the second portion of the amount of the fluid. At this point, in some examples, the cuttings 418 have lost a sufficient amount of the fluid such that the cuttings 418 can be imaged for lithographic analysis.

[0054] In order to sufficiently image the cuttings, the correct color parameter values have to exist. These color parameters can include a lightness (L), a hue (H), and a chroma (C) value. The L values can vary as a function of drying time, and can change based on the type of cuttings. For example, the wetter the cuttings, the darker the L value (whereas the H and C values remain unchanged as a function of wetness). In other words, while the L value of the cuttings can vary as a function of the wetness of the cuttings, the H and C values stay constant as a function of the wetness of the cuttings. Accordingly, utilizing the process described above and below, the cuttings can be dried a sufficient amount such that the L value of the cuttings, when imaged, is optimal to provide an image of the cuttings for sufficient lithographic analysis.

[0055] However, in some examples, the cuttings 418 may include further fluid that has to be removed from the cuttings 418. In such an example, the device 412-6 can receive a third absorbable material (e.g., not illustrated in Figure 4). The third absorbable material can be substantially similar to the second absorbable material 422. For example, the third absorbable material can be attached to the device in response to the second absorbable material 422 absorbing the second portion of the amount of the fluid. The third absorbable material can encompass the device 412-6 similar to the second absorbable material 422.

[0056] The device 412-6 can again be vibrated in order to cause additional fluid in the cuttings 418 to be absorbed by the third absorbable material. In response to the third absorbable material not absorbing a third portion of the amount of the fluid (e.g., if the third absorbable material does not absorb any additional fluid), the cuttings 418 can be imaged for lithographic analysis. However, in response to the third absorbable material absorbing additional fluid (e.g., a third portion of the amount of the fluid), the method above can be successively repeated until the additional absorbable materials do not absorb further fluid from the cuttings 418.

[0057] Accordingly, drying wet cuttings for imaging, according to the disclosure, can allow for excessive fluid to be removed from the cuttings to allow for proper imaging of the cuttings. The perforated liner can allow for excessive fluid to be removed from the cuttings without having to completely dry the cuttings. While the cuttings are not completely dry, they can still be imaged to produce an image with high enough quality for accurate color and / or lithology evaluation, as compared with previous approaches.

[0058] Figure 5 illustrates an example of a method for drying wet cuttings for imaging, in accordance with one or more embodiments. At 532, the method 530 includes immersing the cuttings in fluid. The fluid can be, for example, water, although embodiments of the disclosure are not limited to water. The cuttings can be immersed in the fluid for a predetermined amount of time, such as two hours, although embodiments are not limited to two hours.

[0059] After immersing the cuttings in fluid, the cuttings can be removed from the fluid. At 534, the method 530 includes applying a heat source to the cuttings for a predetermined period of time. The heat source can be a heating plate or an oven, as is further described herein.

[0060] In some examples, the heat source can be a heating plate. The heating plate can be, for example, a hot plate (e.g., an incubator), or an infrared heater plate. The heating plate can apply heat (e.g., from the bottom of the device having the cuttings) in order to dry the cuttings. The heating plate can apply heat (e.g., at a temperature between 60° Celsius (C) and 90° C) for a predetermined period of time, such as 19 minutes, although embodiments of the disclosure are not limited to 19 minutes (e.g., the predetermined period of time can be less than 19 minutes or more than 19 minutes).

[0061] In some examples, the heat source can be an oven. The oven can be, for instance, an air dryer that causes air flow at a specified temperature to flow over the cuttings in order to dry the cuttings. The oven can apply heat (e.g., at a temperature of 70° C) and an airflow (e.g., of 160 meters cubed per hour (m3 / h)) for a predetermined period of time, such as 11 minutes, although embodiments of the disclosure are not limited to 11 minutes (e.g., the predetermined period of time can be less than 11 minutes or more than 11 minutes). Additionally, the temperature isnot limited to 70° C (e.g., can be more than 70° C or less than 70° C), nor is the air flow limited to 160 m3 / h (e.g., can be more than 160 m3 / h or less than 160 m3 / h).

[0062] At 536, the method 530 includes imaging the cuttings. For example, after applying a heat source to the cuttings for a predetermined period of time, as previously described above, the cuttings can be sufficiently dry (but are not fully dry) in order to image the cuttings for lithographic analysis, as previously described above.

[0063] Figure 6 illustrates an example of color parameters of cuttings 618 in images 642 of the cuttings 618 over time, in accordance with one or more embodiments. The images 642 of the cuttings 618 can be performed during a heating period of the cuttings 618, as is further described herein.

[0064] As previously described in connection with Figure 5, cuttings 618 generated from a downhole tool during a drilling operation can be immersed in a fluid such that the cuttings 618 absorb an amount of the fluid. The fluid can be, in some examples, water. The cuttings 618 can be immersed in the fluid for a predetermined period of time to absorb the amount of the fluid.

[0065] As the cuttings 618 have absorbed an amount of the fluid, a heat source can be applied to the cuttings 618 and / or an air flow can be caused to flow over the cuttings 618 to cause the fluid to be evacuated from the cuttings 618. In one example, the heat source can include a heating plate, an oven, etc. The heat source can cause the fluid absorbed by the cuttings 618 to evaporate from the cuttings 618 over time. As another example, an air flow device, such as an air dryer, can cause air to flow over the cuttings 618. The air flow can cause the fluid absorbed by the cuttings 618 to evaporate from the cuttings 618 over time. As the fluid evaporates from the cuttings 618, images 642 of the cuttings 618 can be taken over time, as is further described herein.

[0066] During the predetermined heating period, the cuttings 618 can be imaged to generate images 642 of the cuttings over time. Imaging the cuttings 618 can be performed by, for example, an imaging device such as a camera. The camera can image the cuttings 618 using, for instance, an optical microscope in order to generate images 642 of the cuttings 618 that include sufficient surface detail to extract information from the images 642, as is further described herein.

[0067] As illustrated in Figure 6, the imaging device can image the cuttings 618 at various times during the predetermined heating period to generate images 642 of the cuttings 618 over time. For example, the imaging device can image the cuttings at a first time during the predetermined period to generate a first image 642- 1 of the cuttings 618, at a second time during the predetermined period to generate a second image 642-2 of the cuttings 618, at a third time during the predetermined period to generate a third image 642-3 of the cuttings 618, etc.

[0068] As illustrated in Figure 6, as time progresses, the consecutive images 642 can include less and less liquid, indicated in Figure 6 by the dashed circles in the images 642 becoming smaller. This is the result of the heat source generating heat and / or the air flow over the cuttings 618 that causes the liquid, absorbed by the cuttings 618, to evaporate from the cuttings 618 over time.

[0069] For example, as illustrated in the image 642-1 , the cuttings 618 can include a relatively large, dashed circle. However, as time progresses, the dashed circles can become smaller, as indicated in images 642-2, 642-3, 642-4, etc. as the liquid evaporates from the cuttings 618 until image 642-N, in which the liquid has evaporated from the cuttings 618 altogether.

[0070] As illustrated in Figure 6, the imaging device can image the cuttings N number of times to generate N number of images 642-N of the cuttings 618 during the predetermined heating period. Although Figure 6 illustrates the Nth image as the 7thimage, embodiments are not so limited. For example, the imaging device can image the cuttings less than 7 times or more than 7 times during the predetermined heating period.

[0071] Utilizing the series of images 642, a computing device can determine a characteristic of the cuttings 618 from the images 642. As previously described herein, the characteristic of the cuttings 618 can include a color parameter, such as an L, H, and / or C-value. In the example illustrated in Figure 6, the color parameter can be an L-value, as is further described herein.

[0072] The characteristic of the cuttings 618 can be plotted over time. As illustrated in the graph 640 where the characteristic, such as a color parameter 646, is illustrated as the vertical Y-axis and time (e.g., in minutes) is illustrated as the horizontal X-axis, the color parameter 646 can change over time. In the example illustrated in Figure 6, the color parameter 646 can be an L-value. The L-value canbe a function of porosity of the cuttings 618 such that the more liquid in the cuttings 618, the darker the L-value of the cuttings 618 in the images 642. As such, as indicated in the graph 640, as the liquid evaporates from the cuttings 618 over time 648, the L-value 646 increases.

[0073] This relationship remains true over different portions 644 of the images 642. For example, as illustrated, the different portions 644-1 , 644-2, 644-3 of the image 642 result in similar curves in the graph 640.

[0074] Although the graph 640 is illustrated in Figure 6 as a measure of L- value over time, embodiments of the disclosure are not so limited. For example, while cuttings of certain materials, such as sandstone, will have a varying L-value as a function of wetness with a relatively constant H and C-values, other materials may have varying color parameters as a function of wetness, as is further described herein.

[0075] Figure 7 illustrates an example of a graph 746 of a color parameter 746 over time, in accordance with one or more embodiments. As illustrated in Figure 7, a color parameter of a particular material can vary over time as a function of wetness, as is further described herein.

[0076] As illustrated in Figure 7, a material such as shale can have absorbed fluid at minute 0. As the shale is dried over time 748, the color parameters 746 can be affected. For example, as illustrated in Figure 7, as the shale material dries over time 748, the H-value and L-values can remain constant until around minute 20, when the L-value increases and the H-value slightly decreases. While the varying L- values of such materials are a result of the darkness in the image caused by absorbed liquids, varying H-values can be the result of chemical reactions with the liquid within the cuttings (e.g., within the shale). The C-value of the shale remains constant through the drying process.

[0077] Figure 8 illustrates an example of a graph 852 of a color parameter 846 over time, in accordance with one or more embodiments. As illustrated in Figure 8, a color parameter of another particular material can vary over time as a function of wetness, as is further described herein.

[0078] As illustrated in Figure 8, a material such as sandstone (not including shale / clay) can have absorbed fluid at minute 0. As the sandstone is dried over time 848, the color parameters 846 can be affected. For example, as illustrated in Figure8, as the sandstone material dries over time 848, the L-value can remain constant until just before minute 20 (e.g., around minute 17-18), when the L-value increases. The C-value and the H-value of the sandstone remain constant through the drying process. Such approaches described herein can allow for lithographic analysis of materials, as previously described above.

[0079] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same techniques can be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments of the disclosure.

[0080] It is to be understood that the above description has been made in an illustrative fashion, and not a restrictive one. Combination of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.

[0081] The scope of the various embodiments of the disclosure includes any other applications in which the above structures and methods are used. Therefore, the scope of various embodiments of the disclosure should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

[0082] In the foregoing Detailed Description, various features are grouped together in example embodiments illustrated in the figures for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the embodiments of the disclosure require more features than are expressly recited in each claim.

[0083] Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.

Claims

ClaimsWhat is claimed:1 . A device for drying wet cuttings for imaging, comprising: a frame; a perforated liner connected to the frame, wherein the perforated liner is configured to receive cuttings generated from a downhole tool during a drilling operation; and a cap connected to a top portion of the frame and configured to prevent the cuttings from exiting the perforated liner; wherein: the device is configured to be immersed in a fluid such that the cuttings absorb an amount of the fluid; the device is configured to receive a first absorbable material to absorb a first portion of the amount of the fluid from the cuttings; and the device is configured to receive a second absorbable material to absorb a second portion of the amount of the fluid from the cuttings.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the perforated liner includes perforations to allow the fluid to flow into and out of the device to interact with the cuttings while the device is immersed in the fluid.

3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the device is configured to receive the first absorbable material after being removed from the fluid.

4. The device of claim 1 , wherein: the device is configured to receive the first absorbable material at a bottom portion of the device; and the first absorbable material is configured to absorb the first portion of the amount of the fluid as the first portion of the amount of the fluid drips from the cuttings via gravity to the first absorbable material at the bottom portion.

5. The device of claim 1 , wherein the device is configured to receive the second absorbable material such that the second absorbable material encompasses the device.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the device is configured to be vibrated after receiving the second absorbable material such that the second portion of the amount of the fluid is absorbed by the second absorbable material encompassing the device.

7. The device of claim 1 , wherein the device is configured to receive a third absorbable material in response to the second absorbable material absorbing the second portion of the fluid.

8. The device of claim 1 , wherein the cap includes a perforated liner.

9. The device of claim 1 , wherein the perforated liner is a metal mesh.

10. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first absorbable material and the second absorbable material are a paper tissue material.

11. A method for drying wet cuttings for imaging, comprising: immersing cuttings generated from a downhole tool during a drilling operation in a fluid such that the cuttings absorb an amount of the fluid; causing an air flow to flow over the cuttings for a predetermined period to cause the fluid to exit from the cuttings; imaging the cuttings during the predetermined heating period to generate an image of the cuttings; and determining a characteristic of the cuttings from the image.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the method includes causing the air flow to flow over the cuttings via an air movement device.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the air movement device is an air dryer including a heater such that the method includes heating the air flow prior to causing the air flow to flow over the cuttings.

14. The method of claim 11 , wherein the determining the characteristic of the cuttings includes determining, by a computing device, a color parameter of the cuttings in the image, wherein the color parameter includes a lightness value.

15. The method of claim 11 , wherein imaging the cuttings includes: imaging the cuttings at a first time during the predetermined heating period to generate a first image of the cuttings; and imaging the cuttings at a second time that is after the first time during the predetermined heating period to generate a second image of the cuttings.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the method includes determining, by a computing device from the first image and the second image, color parameter values of the cuttings over time as the heat source is applied to the cuttings.

17. A method for drying wet cuttings for imaging, comprising: immersing cuttings generated from a downhole tool during a drilling operation in a fluid such that the cuttings absorb an amount of the fluid; applying a heat source to the cuttings for a predetermined heating period to cause the fluid to exit from the cuttings; imaging the cuttings during the predetermined heating period to generate an image of the cuttings; and determining a characteristic of the cuttings from the image.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the determining the characteristic of the cuttings includes determining, by a computing device, a color parameter of the cuttings in the image, wherein the color parameter includes a lightness value.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein imaging the cuttings includes:imaging the cuttings at a first time during the predetermined heating period to generate a first image of the cuttings; and imaging the cuttings at a second time that is after the first time during the predetermined heating period to generate a second image of the cuttings.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the method includes determining, by a computing device from the first image and the second image, color parameter values of the cuttings over time as the heat source is applied to the cuttings.

Images