Real-Time Drilling Cuttings Weighing and Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for separating and weighing drilling cuttings during wellbore drilling operations are inefficient, taking substantial time to determine the weight and volume of cuttings, which hinders real-time analysis of well quality and formation characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a drill string with a drilling assembly, a separator, and a weighing unit with movable members and load cells that continuously measure the weight of cuttings as they are separated, using sensors and a controller to process data and determine weight and volume in real time, allowing for immediate analysis of drilling conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If cuttings are separated and weighed using traditional vessels transported from well site, then weight and volume can be determined, but substantial time is required and real-time analysis is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical weighing systems (vessels transported from well site) with a continuous weighing system that integrates directly into the cuttings separation process. Load cells and sensors continuously measure cutting weight as cuttings are separated, eliminating the time delay associated with transporting and manually weighing vessels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous weighing of cuttings throughout the separation process. Instead of periodic or batch weighing, the system continuously measures cutting weight and volume as cuttings are separated from drilling fluid, enabling real-time data acquisition and immediate analysis of drilling conditions.
2Measurement precision
If traditional vessel-based weighing is used, then cutting weight can be measured, but the process is inefficient and takes substantial time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the separation and weighing operations into a single integrated process. The cuttings separation system and weighing system are combined such that weighing occurs simultaneously with separation, eliminating the need for separate weighing steps and significantly improving operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces load cells and sensors as intermediary elements between the cuttings and the measurement system. These intermediaries enable continuous, real-time weight measurement without disrupting the cuttings flow or separation process, maintaining measurement precision while improving efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
In one aspect, an apparatus for use during drilling of a wellbore is provided, that in one embodiment may include: a receiving device that receives cuttings from the separator; a sensor for providing information relating to weight of the cuttings received by the receiving device for determining the weight of the cuttings received. In another aspect, a method of determining amount of cuttings received in a fluid from a wellbore is disclosed that in one embodiment may include: separating the cuttings from the fluid; receiving the separated cuttings on a member; determining weight of the cuttings received using a sensor associated with the receiving device.