Automated Drilling Cuttings Separation via Load Cell Threshold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for separating spent materials from air drilling operations, such as air/gas and drill cuttings, are inefficient and lack automation, necessitating a system for precise and automatic component separation.
Innovation Solution
An automatic materials separation apparatus featuring a reservoir with a spent materials inlet, a drill cuttings outlet, and a load cell or float system that determines the weight or fluid level to automatically open and close the outlet, facilitating the separation of drill cuttings from the spent materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual separation methods are used for spent drilling materials, then operational simplicity is maintained, but separation efficiency and automation are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus automatically monitors its own weight via load cells and triggers discharge when a predetermined weight threshold is reached, eliminating the need for continuous manual monitoring and intervention. The system serves itself by automatically determining when drill cuttings need to be discharged based on weight measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated control system that uses electrical sensors (load cells) to detect weight and electronically controls the discharge mechanism, substituting human-operated mechanical systems with an automated electromechanical system.
2Loss of time
If continuous monitoring of spent materials weight is implemented, then timely discharge of drill cuttings is achieved, but energy consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous monitoring, the system uses periodic weight threshold comparison - the load cells continuously measure weight but only trigger an action when the predetermined weight threshold is reached. This converts continuous monitoring into event-driven periodic action, reducing energy consumption while maintaining timely response.
Solution Approach 2:
The load cells provide continuous feedback on the weight of spent materials in the reservoir, enabling the control system to automatically determine when discharge is needed. This feedback mechanism ensures timely response without requiring constant human intervention or excessive energy consumption.
3Measurement precision
If automated weight-based discharge system is used, then separation precision is improved, but device complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The load cells serve as intermediary sensing elements that indirectly measure the weight of drill cuttings by measuring the total weight of the reservoir contents. This intermediary measurement approach provides precise weight data without requiring direct measurement of the cuttings themselves, simplifying the overall system.
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 apparatus enables efficient and automated separation of drill cuttings from spent materials, improving operational efficiency by ensuring timely removal based on predetermined weight or fluid levels, thereby enhancing the separation process in gas well operations.
Implementation Method 1
a load cell system having at least one load cell for determining the weight of the spent drilling materials in the reservoir
Implementation Method 2
a float system having a float suspendable in the spent drilling material received in the reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure is related to an apparatus for automatically separating spent drilling materials from air drilling operations. The apparatus includes a reservoir, a spent materials inlet, and a drill cuttings outlet. The apparatus also includes either a float system or a load cell system to actuate the drill cuttings outlet when the spent drilling materials reach a predetermined amount in the reservoir.