DCDC Debris Removal for Imaging Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging devices in drilling operations face obstructions from debris, fumes, or mist, which obstruct their view and compromise measurement reliability, and existing solutions fail to effectively clear these obstructions without leaving residue or interfering with data acquisition.
Innovation Solution
A dry-cleaning dual cycle (DCDC) system that uses a combination of a mist of drilling fluid base and compressed air, conveyed through a pneumatic solenoid and manifold, to clear the view zone of imaging devices, with a controller triggering cleaning cycles based on detected obstructions and designed for hazardous locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If compressed air is used to clear debris from the view zone, then visual obstructions are removed, but drilling fluid residue may remain on the imaging device
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a dual-cycle periodic action: first a wet cleaning cycle where drilling fluid is applied to loosen and dissolve debris, then a dry cleaning cycle where compressed air blows away the loosened debris and fluid residue. This periodic alternation between wet and dry cleaning phases ensures complete removal of obstructions without leaving residue.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous cleaning action by seamlessly transitioning between the wet cleaning phase and the dry cleaning phase. The compressed air system immediately follows the drilling fluid application, ensuring no interruption in the cleaning process and preventing residue accumulation on the imaging device view zone.
2Reliability
If manual cleaning of the imaging device is performed, then debris can be removed, but data acquisition is interrupted and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device system performs self-cleaning through the integrated DCDC system. The controller automatically detects debris on the view zone and triggers the appropriate cleaning cycle without requiring manual intervention. This allows the imaging device to maintain its own viewing clarity while continuing data acquisition operations uninterrupted.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors the imaging device operation and detects when debris obstruction occurs. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically initiates the cleaning sequence, ensuring cleaning is performed only when necessary and minimizing interruption to data acquisition.
3Reliability
If a dual cleaning cycle system is implemented, then complete debris removal is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a universal compressed air system that serves multiple functions: it provides the drying action in the second cleaning cycle, supplies pneumatic power for the solenoid valve operation, and can be adjusted for different cleaning intensities. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the dual-cycle 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 DCDC system reliably removes visual obstructions without leaving residue, ensuring continuous data acquisition and maintaining the integrity of imaging device measurements in harsh drilling environments.
Implementation Method 1
directing compressed air through a first flow path in which a base drilling fluid is injected into the compressed air to create a mist and from which the mist is distributed onto the viewing zone
Implementation Method 2
directing compressed air through a second flow path from which the compressed air is distributed onto the viewing zone for a second cleaning cycle
Data Source
AI summary
A system for automated detection and removal of visual obstructions such as debris, fumes, or mist from the view zone of an imaging device. An autodetection algorithm runs on incoming visual data from a data acquisition (DAQ) system to determine if a visual obstruction is present. A controller initiates a dry-cleaning dual cycle (DCDC) run including a wet clean cycle and a dry clean cycle. During the wet clean cycle, a base fluid mist is distributed onto the view zone. Subsequently during the dry clean cycle, compressed air is distributed onto the view zone.