Diaphragm Dispensation Unit for Drilling Fluid Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies for monitoring drilling fluid properties, such as density and viscosity, face challenges due to the use of sliding or rotating sealing components that are prone to wear and leakage when interacting with fluids containing solid particulates, leading to equipment failure.
Innovation Solution
A dispensation unit is introduced that removes a pre-determined volume of drilling fluid from circulation using a diaphragm and pneumatic cylinder, eliminating the need for moving sealing components by creating a pressure-tight seal and allowing for accurate sampling without interrupting drilling operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sliding or rotating sealing components are used in fluid sampling systems, then fluid sampling capability is achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to wear and leakage with solid particulates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the problematic sliding or rotating sealing components from the fluid sampling system entirely. Instead, it uses a diaphragm-based dispensation unit with a pressure-tight seal that eliminates moving sealing parts that interact with solid particulates, thereby resolving the reliability issue while maintaining sampling capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical sliding or rotating sealing system with a diaphragm-based pneumatic system. The diaphragm creates a pressure-tight seal without requiring sliding or rotating contact with the fluid containing solid particulates, substituting a more reliable mechanism that avoids wear and leakage problems
2Measurement precision
If moving sealing components are used for fluid dispensing, then fluid sampling is enabled, but measurement precision deteriorates due to leakage and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic moving sealing components from the system. The diaphragm-based dispensation unit provides a pressure-tight seal without moving sealing parts, eliminating leakage and wear that compromise measurement precision of fluid properties like density and viscosity
Solution Approach 2:
The diaphragm acts as an intermediary between the pneumatic pressure source and the fluid containing solid particulates. It transmits pressure to dispense the fluid sample without requiring direct mechanical contact between moving sealing components and the abrasive fluid, thereby maintaining measurement precision
3Productivity
If traditional sealing components are used in drilling fluid sampling, then sampling operation is possible, but productivity deteriorates due to equipment failure and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the vulnerable moving sealing components that cause equipment failure. The diaphragm-based system with pressure-tight seal eliminates wear and leakage problems, preventing downtime and maintenance interruptions to drilling operations, thereby improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The diaphragm-based dispensation unit is designed to be inherently more reliable and maintenance-free. By eliminating moving sealing components that require maintenance, the system serves itself without interruptions, allowing continuous drilling operations without productivity loss
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
This solution enables precise analysis of drilling fluid properties without equipment failure, ensuring reliable monitoring of drilling fluid characteristics like density and viscosity, even in the presence of solid particulates.
Implementation Method 1
creating a pressure-tight seal
Implementation Method 2
pneumatic cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
A system or method for monitoring drilling fluid. The system may comprise a fluid supply, wherein the fluid supply houses a drilling fluid, a pump, wherein the pump is fluidly connected to the fluid supply, a dispensation unit, wherein the dispensation unit is fluidly connected to the pump, and a process vessel, wherein the process vessel is fluidly coupled to the dispensation unit. The dispensation unit may comprise a housing, wherein the housing may comprise an internal cavity, an inlet, and an outlet. The dispensation unit may further comprise a top plate, wherein the top plate is configured to form a seal over the housing, and a diaphragm, wherein the diaphragm is disposed between the top plate and the housing. A method may comprise pumping the drilling fluid through a dispensation unit, actuating the dispensation unit, and determining a property of the drilling fluid.