Drilling System Gas Detection for Elastomer Deterioration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elastomer compounds used in Moineau-type motors and dynamic seals in borehole drilling systems fail due to repeated flexing, abrasive particles, chemical breakdown, and high temperatures, leading to sealing loss and motor stalling, with deteriorating elastomers releasing gases like carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and hydrogen into drilling fluids.
Innovation Solution
A gas detection system is implemented to monitor drilling fluids for carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and hydrogen gases, using detectors like gas chromatographs or mass spectrometers, which alert operators to elastomer deterioration, allowing for proactive adjustments in drilling parameters to prevent motor failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastomer compound is used in Moineau-type motors and dynamic seals, then sealing performance and motor operation are improved, but the elastomer compound fails over time due to repeated flexing, abrasive particles, chemical breakdown, and high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The gas detection system performs preliminary monitoring of elastomer deterioration by detecting gas emissions before complete failure occurs. Gas chromatographs or mass spectrometers detect characteristic gases released during elastomer degradation, enabling operators to take preventive action before the elastomer compound fails completely and causes motor stalling or fluid leakage.
2Reliability
If gas detection system is implemented to monitor drilling fluids, then elastomer deterioration is detected early, but system complexity and operational overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gas detection system uses multi-functional detection equipment (gas chromatographs or mass spectrometers) that can detect multiple different gases simultaneously. This allows a single system to monitor various aspects of elastomer deterioration and potentially other issues, reducing the need for multiple separate monitoring systems while maintaining high detection 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
The system effectively detects elastomer compound deterioration, enabling timely adjustments to drilling operations, thereby extending motor lifespan and maintaining drilling efficiency by preventing premature failure.
Implementation Method 1
A gas detection system is implemented to monitor drilling fluids for carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and hydrogen gases, using detectors like gas chromatographs or mass spectrometers
Data Source
AI summary
A drilling system for drilling a well. The drilling system may include a drillstring, a gas detector, and a computer system. The drillstring may include a downhole motor operable to rotate a drill bit and the downhole motor may include a stator and a rotor, at least one of the stator or the rotor comprising an elastomer compound. The gas detector may be operable to detect a gas indicative of deterioration of the elastomer compound. The computer system may be programmed to generate an indication based on the detection of the gas indicative of the deterioration by the gas detector.