Combination Unit for On-Site Drilling Fluid Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid management in oilfield operations is inefficient due to the need for separate units for vacuuming, storage, screening, and conditioning, which leads to downtime and increased costs, especially when dealing with drilling fluids that require on-site maintenance and handling of impurities and additives.
Innovation Solution
A mobile, combination unit that integrates vacuuming, storage, screening, and conditioning functions, allowing for on-site management of fluids with multiple ports for fluid intake and discharge, a centrifuge system for particle removal, and a mixing tank for additive introduction, enabling efficient fluid preparation and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate units are used for vacuuming, storage, screening, and conditioning, then each function can be performed with dedicated equipment, but the overall system complexity increases and downtime increases due to multiple equipment transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines vacuuming, storage, screening, and conditioning functions into a single integrated fluid management unit. The unit includes a vacuum pump connected to a storage tank, with integrated screening mechanisms and conditioning equipment, eliminating the need for multiple separate units and reducing equipment transitions during drilling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid management unit is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: vacuuming fluids from the drill site, storing them in an integrated tank, screening out impurities through built-in separators, and conditioning the fluids for reuse. This multi-functional design reduces the number of equipment pieces needed while maintaining comprehensive fluid management capability.
2Reliability
If fluids are stored in large quantities in mud pits or tanks for days to settle large particulates, then large particulates can be removed, but the inventory requirements increase and storage space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive gravitational settling process (mechanical system based on time and gravity) with an active centrifugal separation system. The centrifuge generates high g-forces that rapidly separate particulates from fluids, achieving effective particulate removal without requiring large quantities of fluid to be stored for extended periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the separation parameter from gravitational settling (low g-force, slow process) to centrifugal force (high g-force, rapid process). This parameter change enables fast particulate removal that does not require large fluid inventories or extended storage times, thereby reducing both the quantity of fluid needed and the storage space required.
3Productivity
If a centrifuge is placed on-site, then fluid conditioning can be performed on-site reducing downtime, but the weight, bulk, and expense of the unit make it difficult to transport and deploy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the centrifuge with the vacuum pump and storage tank into a single compact unit. By merging these heavy components into one assembly, the overall weight is distributed more efficiently, and the unit can be mounted on a trailer or truck for mobile deployment, making it feasible to transport despite the individual weights of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from stationary, fixed-location centrifuges to a mobile, multi-functional unit that can be transported to various drill sites. This dimensional change in deployment flexibility allows the centrifuge to be moved on-site, enabling immediate fluid conditioning without the need for permanent installation, thereby reducing downtime while managing the weight and bulk constraints through strategic positioning and mobile platform integration.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate equipment units are used for fluid management, then each function can be optimized independently, but the transition between equipment increases downtime and operational costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges vacuuming, storage, screening, and conditioning equipment into one integrated unit with internal fluid pathways and transfer mechanisms. This eliminates the need to physically move fluids between separate equipment units, thereby eliminating transition downtime while maintaining the functional specialization of each subsystem within the integrated design.
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 combination unit allows for continuous drilling operations by providing on-site fluid management, reducing downtime and costs by integrating multiple functions into a single, mobile unit, enabling efficient handling and conditioning of drilling fluids and effective spill response.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum pump and vacuum conduit, and a vacuum tank comprising a volume capacity, an access hatch atop the vacuum tank, a vacuum port, the vacuum port communicating with the first and second suction port through pressure generated by the vacuum pump within the vacuum circuit
Implementation Method 2
a centrifuge system for particle removal
Data Source
AI summary
A combination unit for vacuuming, cleaning and conditioning fluids. The unit may comprise a vacuum pump circuit and tank, a mixing tank and a centrifuge system. The invention also includes a combination tank comprising a vacuum tank partially incorporated into a mixing tank. A mixing tank may comprise a system of mixing conduits and mixing apparatuses to shear drilling fluids and additives, the mixing tank including a rounded base and a drain to cycle the fluid back through to the mixing tank.