Automated Drilling Fluid Rheology Testing Across Multiple Temperatures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drilling fluid testing systems require manual intervention for temperature adjustments and sequential testing, which is inefficient and time-consuming, especially when testing drilling fluids at varying temperatures.
Innovation Solution
An automated fluid testing apparatus that includes a fluid conduit, rheology sensor, and an electric temperature controller, allowing for automated temperature adjustments and sequential testing of drilling fluids at multiple temperatures without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual temperature adjustments and sequential testing are used, then testing can be performed at varying temperatures, but testing efficiency is low and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-testing through automated temperature control and sequential rheology measurements. The temperature controller automatically adjusts temperatures between tests, and the rheology sensor automatically measures viscosity at each temperature without requiring manual intervention, enabling the system to serve itself and eliminate human operational delays
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical temperature adjustment and measurement operations are replaced by an automated electronic control system. The temperature controller electronically regulates heating/cooling, and the rheology sensor automatically records viscosity data, substituting manual mechanical operations with automated electronic-mechanical integration to improve efficiency
2Measurement precision
If multiple temperature tests are performed sequentially with manual intervention, then comprehensive rheological data is obtained, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The testing system is designed to perform multiple rheological measurements at different temperatures using a single integrated apparatus. The temperature controller and rheology sensor work together to automatically conduct sequential tests across multiple temperature points, allowing one device to fulfill multiple testing functions that would otherwise require separate manual operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the rheology sensor measurements to automatically control temperature adjustments. After each viscosity measurement, the system receives feedback data and automatically adjusts the temperature for the next measurement, creating a closed-loop automated process that maintains measurement precision while eliminating manual operational complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient, automated testing of drilling fluids at varying temperatures, improving testing efficiency and reducing manual labor, while ensuring accurate rheological measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a rheology sensor in communication with the fluid chamber. The rheology sensor includes a rotor protruding into the opening
Implementation Method 2
an electric temperature controller in communication with the fluid chamber. The electric temperature controller is configured to control a temperature of the fluid sample within the fluid chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a fluid conduit, a fluid chamber in communication with the fluid conduit, a rheology sensor in communication with the fluid chamber, and an electric temperature controller in communication with the fluid chamber. The fluid chamber is cooled in response to a first control signal from the electric temperature controller.