Automated Analyzer Calibration Device for Mud Gas Logging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current calibration processes for mud gas or fluid logging analyzers are lengthy and prone to operator errors due to the need for multiple interventions and manual handling of calibration samples, which can take up to six hours and require precise handling of sixteen different samples.

Innovation Solution

An automated calibration device with a cabinet containing dedicated reception slots for canisters with known calibration mixtures, a control unit to manage the connection of these canisters to the analyzer, and a system for identifying and verifying the presence and pressure of each canister, reducing the need for manual intervention and minimizing errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual calibration procedures are used with multiple calibration samples, then calibration accuracy is maintained, but calibration time increases significantly and operator errors increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidcalibration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration samples are pre-prepared and stored in canisters before the calibration process. The system automatically selects and switches between pre-prepared calibration mixtures, eliminating the need for manual preparation and reduction of calibration time while maintaining accuracy through pre-verified samples.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration system performs self-service by automatically managing the calibration process. The controller automatically switches between calibration canisters, monitors calibration status, and executes calibration sequences without requiring manual intervention for each sample change, thereby reducing both time and operator errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If multiple manual interventions are required for calibration, then calibration completeness is ensured, but operator errors increase and calibration efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration completenessVSAvoidoperator error rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller monitors calibration status, detects when calibration is complete or interrupted, and automatically adjusts the calibration sequence. This feedback loop ensures calibration completeness while eliminating manual checkpoints that are prone to operator errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of physically handling and switching calibration samples is replaced with an automated control system. The controller electronically manages the switching between calibration canisters, replacing manual operations with automated control signals, thereby reducing operator errors while maintaining calibration completeness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If automated calibration switching is implemented, then calibration speed increases, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration speedVSAvoidcalibration system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller serves multiple functions: it manages the calibration sequence, monitors calibration status, controls the switching between canisters, and interfaces with the analyzer. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate components, increasing calibration speed while limiting the increase in overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration control functions are merged into a single integrated system where the controller manages all calibration activities. The automated switching mechanism combines sample selection, canister identification, and calibration execution into a unified process, increasing productivity while keeping complexity manageable through integration rather than separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10100637B2Device for automatically calibrating an analyzer used for mud gas or fluid logging, associated analysis system and drilling rig

Publication Date: 2018.10.16 GEOSERVICES EQUIP SAS

AI summary

A device (118) for automatically calibrating an analyzer (112) used for mud gas or fluid logging, comprising:a cabinet (140) having a plurality of dedicated reception slots (144), each slot (144) being configured for the insertion of a canister (148) containing a known calibration mixture, the cabinet (140) containing:a main line (174) to be connected to the analyzer (112),a connection assembly able to selectively connect each reception slot (144) to the main line (174),a control unit (151) for controlling the connection assembly to successively connect at least two successive slots (144) to the main line (174).