Drilling Fluid Analysis System With Reversible Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drilling fluid monitoring systems face challenges in providing real-time measurements of critical properties, are prone to human error, and struggle with sampling difficulties due to the viscosity and composition changes of drilling fluids, especially when switching between different fluid types, and are often located in hazardous environments.
Innovation Solution
A fluid analysis system with reversible ports and measurement modules that can intake and expel drilling fluid, coupled with a controller to manage flow and filters to prevent solids entry, allowing for real-time characterization and continuous monitoring, including the use of multiple measurement modules for parallel data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automated mud measuring is implemented, then measurement reliability and real-time data availability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated measuring system is divided into separate functional modules: sampling module, filtration module, measurement module, and control module. Each module performs a specific function, making the complex system manageable and maintainable while ensuring reliable real-time measurements of drilling fluid properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically performs sampling, filtration, measurement, and data reporting without requiring manual intervention. The automated nature eliminates human error and provides continuous real-time data, improving reliability while the modular design keeps complexity manageable.
2Productivity
If drilling fluid sampling is performed frequently, then real-time monitoring capability is improved, but sampling difficulty increases due to viscosity changes and solids settling
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary agitation of the drilling fluid before sampling to prevent solids settling. The agitator mixes the fluid continuously, ensuring that each sample taken is representative of the overall fluid composition, enabling frequent accurate sampling despite viscosity changes and solids content.
Solution Approach 2:
A filtration system with removable filters acts as an intermediary between the sampling system and measurement modules. The filters prevent solids from plugging the measurement equipment while allowing the system to frequently sample fluid with varying viscosity and solids content.
3Measurement precision
If multiple measurement modules are used for parallel data collection, then measurement precision and data completeness are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different measurement modules (e.g., density meter, viscometer, filtration analysis) are segmented into separate units, each measuring specific fluid properties with high precision. The modular architecture allows multiple measurements to be performed in parallel while keeping each module relatively simple and easy to maintain.
4Reliability
If filtration systems are installed to prevent solids entry, then reliability of measurement is improved, but device complexity and potential plugging points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration system uses removable filters that can be easily discarded when clogged and replaced with clean filters. This simple approach maintains measurement reliability by preventing solids from entering the measurement modules while avoiding complex cleaning or maintenance mechanisms. The filters are designed to be quickly swapped during routine maintenance.
Data Source
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AI summary
System, methods and devices for analyzing drilling fluids are presented herein. A fluid analysis system for determining at least one characteristic of a drilling fluid is disclosed. The system includes a pump and two reversible fluid ports each configured, when in a first state, to intake drilling fluid into the fluid analysis system and, when in a second state, to expel drilling fluid from the fluid analysis system. A valve fluidly couples the reversible fluid ports to the pump. The valve controls the respective states of the reversible fluid ports. At least one measurement module is fluidly coupled to the pump to receive drilling fluid therefrom. The at least one measurement module is configured to determine at least one characteristic of the drilling fluid. Filters can be fluidly coupled with each of the reversible fluid ports. The filters prevent solids of a predetermined size from entering the fluid analysis system.