Degasser Probe Screen Cleaning With a Rotating Worm Screw

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drilling systems face inefficiencies in debris removal from degasser probes, leading to downtime due to debris getting stuck on or between strainer screens, which can cause damage and require manual intervention.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a rotatable worm screw and protective features like an annular bumper or protective cage to facilitate axial flow and efficient debris removal from the strainer screen, preventing debris from contacting the screen and enhancing the effectiveness of the worm screw.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a strainer screen is used to filter debris from drilling fluid, then debris is removed from the fluid, but debris gets stuck on the screen causing downtime and damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris removal effectivenessVSAvoidmaintenance downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The worm screw automatically removes debris from the strainer screen through rotational motion, enabling the system to clean itself without manual intervention. This self-service mechanism prevents debris accumulation and eliminates the need for shutdown maintenance, directly resolving the contradiction between effective debris removal and maintenance downtime

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The worm screw is positioned to preemptively remove debris before it can accumulate and cause blockage or damage. By continuously engaging with the strainer screen surface, it performs preliminary cleaning action that prevents the harmful effect of debris buildup, maintaining system reliability without interrupting operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If debris is allowed to contact the strainer screen, then filtering function is maintained, but debris causes damage and requires manual intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoiddebris damage to system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The worm screw acts as an intermediary element between the drilling fluid and the strainer screen. It intercepts and removes debris particles before they can adhere to the screen surface, preventing the harmful contact between debris and the filtering structure. This intermediary action protects the system from debris-induced damage while maintaining continuous productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system converts the potentially harmful presence of debris into a beneficial cleaning mechanism. The worm screw utilizes the debris particles themselves as the object of action, systematically removing them from the fluid stream and preventing screen blockage. This transforms the harmful factor (debris) into a manageable element that can be continuously cleared without interrupting operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS20260078644A1Debris removal from degasser probe

Publication Date: 2026.03.19 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

Devices, systems, and methods for debris removal from a degasser probe are described herein. In some examples, one or more embodiments include a degasser probe comprising a suction head to receive drilling fluid and cause the drilling fluid to be transmitted to a degasser during a drilling operation, a strainer screen located upstream of the suction head to filter the drilling fluid during the drilling operation, and a worm screw located proximate to the strainer screen, where the worm screw is axially rotatable to remove debris from the strainer screen during the drilling operation.