Drilling Fluid Transit Time Sensing for Accurate Hydrocarbon Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mud logging systems face challenges in accurately determining the hydrocarbon contribution from a subterranean formation due to natural degassing of drilling fluid between sampling points, leading to inaccuracies in hydrocarbon detection.
Innovation Solution
A system with outlet and inlet sensors and gas extractors is employed to measure drilling fluid parameters and transit time, allowing for precise calculation of hydrocarbon contributions by analyzing gas extraction at different points in the drilling fluid flow path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single gas extractor at the outlet is used, then hardware complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of hydrocarbon contribution deteriorates due to inability to account for surface degassing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the hydrocarbon measurement process into two distinct components: outlet hydrocarbon contribution (measured by outlet gas extractor) and inlet hydrocarbon contribution (measured by inlet gas extractor). This segmentation allows each extractor to measure specific parameters at different locations, and the computing system combines these measurements to determine the actual formation contribution, thereby maintaining measurement precision while providing a clear functional division that simplifies system understanding and operation.
2Measurement precision
If multiple gas extractors are deployed, then hydrocarbon detection accuracy improves, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The computing system acts as an intermediary that receives measurements from both gas extractors and performs the calculation to determine actual hydrocarbon contribution. Rather than requiring complex hardware integration between the extractors, the computing system mediates the data processing, combining the outlet and inlet measurements and applying the transit time correction to produce the final accurate measurement, thus managing system complexity through software-based coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring both outlet and inlet hydrocarbon contributions and using this information to calculate and update the actual formation contribution in real-time. The computing system processes the differential measurements along with transit time data to provide ongoing feedback on the true hydrocarbon input from the formation, allowing for dynamic adjustment and verification of measurements.
3Measurement precision
If multiple gas extractors are used, then hydrocarbon detection precision improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using two gas extractors that each perform a specific function rather than requiring one extractor to perform all measurement functions. The outlet extractor measures total hydrocarbons at the outlet, while the inlet extractor measures remaining hydrocarbons after surface degassing. This partial division of measurement tasks allows each extractor to operate at optimized energy levels for its specific function, rather than requiring excessive capability from a single unit.
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
Enables accurate determination of hydrocarbon contributions from subterranean formations by accounting for surface transit time and gas extraction at multiple points, enhancing the precision of hydrocarbon detection and reducing hardware and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The gas extractor is configured to extract a gas from the drilling fluid
Implementation Method 2
The drilling fluid may be naturally degassed while flowing at the surface from the first gas extractor to the second gas extractor
Data Source
AI summary
A system for detecting hydrocarbons in a subterranean formation includes an outlet sensor configured to measure an outlet drilling fluid parameter of a drilling fluid. The system also includes an inlet sensor configured to measure an inlet drilling fluid parameter of the drilling fluid. The system also includes a gas extractor positioned downstream from the outlet of the wellbore and upstream from the inlet sensor. The gas extractor is configured to extract a gas from the drilling fluid. The system also includes a computing system configured to determine a first time when the outlet drilling fluid parameter increases by more than a first threshold, determine a second time when the inlet drilling fluid parameter becomes substantially constant or increases by more than a second threshold, and determine a surface transit time of the drilling fluid based at least partially upon the first time and the second time.