Automated Sample Conditioning System for Remote Mudlogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned remote mudlogging operations face challenges in maintaining chemical and gas lines, leading to unreliable gas curves, data loss, and inefficient deployment of personnel due to issues like moisture accumulation, hydrocarbon residue adhesion, and ineffective desiccant use, which compromise sample quality and equipment integrity.
Innovation Solution
A sample conditioning system utilizing a controller and timed valve subsystems to automate routine maintenance based on drilling data, ensuring timely air flow and purging cycles to prevent moisture and residue buildup, thereby maintaining gas line integrity and quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If desiccants are added inline to prevent coalescing of moisture in sample lines, then moisture removal is improved, but hydrocarbon residues adhere to the desiccant surfaces and desiccant effectiveness changes over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the moisture removal function from traditional desiccant materials and implements it through a refrigeration-based condensation system. The refrigeration unit condenses moisture from the gas sample without requiring desiccant materials, thereby eliminating the problem of hydrocarbon residue adhesion while maintaining effective moisture removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using refrigeration temperature control to condense moisture. By adjusting the refrigeration temperature, the system achieves moisture removal without relying on desiccant materials that would otherwise be affected by hydrocarbon contamination.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If refrigeration is used to remove moisture from gas samples, then water removal is improved, but heavier hydrocarbon residues are also removed, eliminating detectable concentrations of hydrocarbons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a refrigeration unit with controlled temperature zones. The refrigeration system creates localized cold zones that condense moisture while the overall system design allows selective removal of water without excessively removing hydrocarbons, maintaining detectable concentrations of target analytes.
3Productivity
If unmanned remote mudlogging applications are implemented, then personnel deployment is improved, but maintenance of chemicals and gas lines becomes unreliable leading to data loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through an automated control system that monitors gas line conditions and triggers maintenance cycles without human intervention. The system automatically detects when purging is needed and executes the maintenance sequence, enabling unmanned operations while maintaining reliable gas line functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms where sensors monitor gas line conditions (moisture levels, flow patterns) and provide real-time data to the control system. This feedback enables the system to adjust maintenance timing and parameters dynamically, ensuring reliable operation in unmanned remote locations.
4Productivity
If reversed flow cycles are used to purge lines, then gas line cleaning is improved, but chemical deterioration is exacerbated and gas line failure may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a controlled purging cycle that dynamically adjusts flow direction and parameters. The system monitors chemical conditions and modifies purging parameters in real-time, allowing efficient cleaning while preventing excessive chemical deterioration through adaptive control.
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
The system ensures reliable gas readings, extends unattended equipment operation safely and dependably, and normalizes maintenance practices across different sites, reducing costs and improving data quality.
Implementation Method 1
One final step often taken in remote applications to remove moisture from gas samples is refrigeration. Refrigeration is an effective means of water removal
Implementation Method 2
the powered first electrically activated valve switching to allow air from a first air line to pass therethrough to the sample line
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a sample conditioning system includes a first valve subsystem, a controller, and a signal generator. The first valve subsystem includes a first electrically activated valve and a first timed switch in electrical communication with the first electrically activated valve, where the first timed switch is configured with a first time duration. The controller is configured to receive drilling data from a data source and, responsive to the drilling data satisfying a trigger associated with a timed sequence, cause the signal generator to apply a signal to at least the first timed switch. The signal causes the first timed switch to close for at least the first time duration and power the first electrically activated valve, the powered first electrically activated valve switching to allow air from a first air line to pass therethrough to a sample line.