Drilling Fluid Compound Concentration Thermodynamic Correction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the content of compounds in drilling fluids are limited by the inefficiency of gas extraction, particularly for heavy compounds, leading to imprecise measurements due to empirical correction factors and the need for large calibration samples.
Innovation Solution
A method that calculates a second correction factor using a thermodynamic factor and independent parameters to improve the precision of compound content determination in drilling fluids, allowing for more accurate measurement of both light and heavy compounds without requiring extensive calibration samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple successive extraction stages are used to improve measurement precision, then the precision of compound content determination is improved, but the device complexity and time consumption increase due to requiring multiple passes through the degasser
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter approach from empirical correction factors determined through multiple extraction stages to thermodynamic parameters (temperature, pressure, volatility) that can be calculated from fundamental relationships. This allows correction factors to be derived from a single extraction stage using thermodynamic equations, eliminating the need for repeated extraction cycles while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of performing multiple physical extraction passes through the degasser with a computational approach using thermodynamic calculations. Instead of mechanically repeating the extraction process multiple times, the system uses thermodynamic models to calculate correction factors from a single extraction, substituting computational processing for mechanical repetition.
2Measurement precision
If multiple successive extraction stages are used to assess extraction efficiency, then the precision for heavy compounds is improved, but the loss of time increases due to requiring large calibration samples and multiple analysis cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from determining correction factors through time-consuming multiple extraction stages to calculating them using thermodynamic parameters. By using temperature, pressure, and volatility data in thermodynamic equations, the system can compute correction factors rapidly from a single extraction stage, dramatically reducing the time required for calibration while improving precision for heavy compounds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary thermodynamic calculations to determine correction factors before actual analysis, using fundamental thermodynamic relationships rather than empirical data from multiple extraction cycles. This preliminary computational approach eliminates the need for time-consuming iterative extraction and analysis of large calibration samples.
3Ease of operation
If empirical correction factors are used for compound extraction, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to insufficient extraction efficiency for heavy compounds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces empirical correction factors with thermodynamically-based correction factors calculated from temperature, pressure, and volatility parameters. This substitution maintains the simplicity of using correction factors while dramatically improving measurement precision, as thermodynamic parameters provide a more accurate physical basis for extraction efficiency than empirical data alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces thermodynamic parameters as an intermediary between the extraction process and correction factor determination. Instead of directly using empirical extraction data, the system uses thermodynamic properties (temperature, pressure, volatility) as intermediaries to calculate correction factors, providing a more reliable bridge between extraction conditions and measurement 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
This approach enhances the precision of compound content measurement in drilling fluids, particularly for heavy compounds, by using a thermodynamic factor and independent parameters to calculate correction factors, reducing measurement errors and improving accuracy without the need for large calibration samples.
Implementation Method 1
extraction from the drilling fluid of a gaseous fraction of each compound
Implementation Method 2
a degasser with mechanical agitation of the type described in FR 2 799 790
Implementation Method 3
a device for heating the drilling mud, placed upstream of or in the degasser
Implementation Method 4
transporting the extracted gases to an analyzer where these gases are qualified and in certain cases, quantified
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method that includes extracting a gaseous fraction of each compound, measuring an information representative of the gaseous fraction of each compound, and calculating for each first compound of a first group of compounds the concentration of said first compound in the drilling fluid based on the information measured for the gaseous fraction of the first compound and based on a first correction factor (Pi). The method also includes calculating for each second compound of a second group of compounds the concentration of said second compound in the drilling fluid based on the information measured for the gaseous fraction of the second compound and based on a second correction factor (pi) obtained from a calculation equation relating the second correction factor (pi) to a plurality of independent parameters of the second compound determined from the first correction factors and to a thermodynamic characteristic (Fi) of the second compound.