Automated Drill Cuttings Cleaning and Packing for Consistent Samples
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual handling of drill cuttings from boreholes results in variable sample quality due to human error and inefficiency, affecting the accuracy of subsequent lithology and fluid analysis.
Innovation Solution
An automated system comprising an unloading, cleaning, and packing module, utilizing robotic arms, water and air jets, centrifugation, and ultrasonic processes to handle, clean, and package drill cuttings efficiently, ensuring consistent sample quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual handling of drill cuttings is used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but sample quality becomes variable and analysis accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The automated processing system is divided into distinct functional modules: collection container for receiving cuttings, unloading module with water jet for transferring sample, cleaning module with centrifuge and ultrasonic transducer for removing mud, and packing module with camera and labeling device for final packaging. Each module performs a specific function, enabling consistent sample processing while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs automated mechanisms that perform sample processing without human intervention. The robotic arm automatically transfers samples between modules, water jets automatically remove drilling mud, the centrifuge automatically separates fluids from cuttings, and the labeling device automatically identifies samples. This self-service approach ensures consistent sample quality while reducing operational variability.
2Productivity
If automated processing system is implemented, then sample quality consistency is improved, but processing time and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system enables continuous sample processing without interruption. Samples are continuously transferred from the collection container through the unloading module, cleaned in the cleaning module, and packed in the packing module without manual handling gaps. The robotic arm continuously moves samples between modules, and the water jet continuously removes drilling mud, maintaining constant productive action throughout the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions to prepare samples for analysis before they are needed. Collection containers are pre-positioned, the cleaning module is pre-configured with centrifuge and ultrasonic transducer, and the packing module is pre-set with labeling devices. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid, continuous processing when samples arrive, reducing overall processing time.
3Reliability
If multiple processing modules are used, then sample quality and analysis accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm serves multiple functions: it transfers samples between modules, positions collection containers, moves cleaned samples to the packing module, and handles labeling containers. The water jet nozzle serves dual purposes by both transferring samples from the collection container and cleaning drilling mud from cuttings. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate devices needed while maintaining high sample quality and analysis accuracy.
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 system provides high-quality, consistent drill cutting samples by automating the handling, cleaning, and packing processes, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of subsequent analysis.
Implementation Method 1
The unloading module may include a water jet nozzle for discharging a water jet to drive the sample from the collection container to the funnel
Implementation Method 2
The tank of the cleaning module may include an ultrasonic transducer configured to agitate the fluid in the tank to break up the sample
Implementation Method 3
The cleaning module may include a centrifuge configured to separate the sample
Implementation Method 4
The packing module may include an air jet nozzle to discharge an air jet to drive at least a part of the sample from the tray or sample tube into a clean storage container
Data Source
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AI summary
An example system may be used to automate one or more processes relating to drill cutting handling, cleaning, and packing to produce consistently high-quality cleaned samples. In some implementations, an example system may employ cleaning processes including centrifugal and ultrasonic processes to clean a sample automatically without the aid of a human operator thereby increasing efficiency and quality of the produced samples for better subsequent sample analysis. A system may include an unloading module, a cleaning module, and packing module, all of which may be operated in combination with a robotic arm.