Automated Drilling Fluid Mixing for Real-Time Property Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies lack effective methods for managing the properties of drilling fluids, which are crucial for maintaining optimal conditions during downhole operations.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that determine and maintain a chemical mixture for drilling fluids by analyzing interdependencies between target properties and substances added, using machine learning algorithms to optimize the mixture based on real-time measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual methods are used to manage drilling fluid properties, then operational simplicity is maintained, but manufacturing precision and reliability of fluid properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated determination and maintenance of chemical mixtures for drilling fluids through self-service mechanisms. The processor automatically analyzes fluid properties, determines required chemical mixtures, and maintains optimal formulations without continuous manual intervention, allowing the system to serve itself in managing drilling fluid characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously measuring drilling fluid properties and using this information to adjust and maintain the chemical mixture. The processor receives measurements of fluid properties and uses this feedback to determine appropriate chemical additions or adjustments, ensuring precise property management through closed-loop control.
2Reliability
If automated systems are implemented for drilling fluid management, then manufacturing precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves reliability through multi-functionality, where the processor performs multiple functions including measuring fluid properties, determining chemical mixtures, calculating interdependencies between substances and properties, and maintaining optimal formulations. This universal approach consolidates multiple functions into a single integrated system, improving reliability while managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains reliability by dynamically adjusting parameters of the chemical mixture based on measured fluid properties. The processor determines changes in chemical composition and concentrations to achieve target drilling fluid properties, using parameter changes as the primary mechanism for reliable property control.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple substances are added to achieve target properties, then manufacturing precision improves, but loss of substance increases due to interdependency management
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by determining the precise amounts of each substance needed to achieve target properties, avoiding excessive addition. The processor calculates the optimal quantity of each chemical component based on the interdependencies, adding only the necessary amount rather than using excess, thereby reducing substance loss while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by determining the complete chemical mixture composition before actual addition to the drilling fluid. The processor analyzes the required interdependencies between substances and target properties in advance, pre-calculating the optimal mixture formulation to minimize substance loss during the mixing process.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method includes determining a chemical mixture for a drilling fluid and maintaining or updating the chemical mixture. Determining the chemical mixture is based on a first interdependency of a first target property of a set of properties associated with the drilling fluid and a first substance to be added for the chemical mixture. Determining the chemical mixture is based on a second interdependency of the first target property and a second substance to be added for the chemical mixture. Maintaining or updating the chemical mixture is based on a first measurement of the first target property, a second measurement of a second target property of the set of properties, or combinations including one of the foregoing.