Surface-Level Drilling Mud Filter Screen Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filter screen systems in drilling operations face challenges such as complex installation and removal, safety hazards, and potential damage during drilling, leading to reduced usage due to time-consuming maintenance and risk of blockages or loss.

Innovation Solution

A filter screen assembly is installed at the surface level on the discharge side of the mud pump, allowing easy access and maintenance without requiring removal during drill string segment additions, eliminating safety hazards and reducing the risk of damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a filter screen is installed in the drill string or at elevated positions on the drilling rig, then debris can be filtered from drilling mud, but the filter screen becomes difficult to access for maintenance and presents safety hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris filtering capabilityVSAvoidaccessibility for maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The filter screen is extracted from the drill string and positioned in the mud tank where it is easily accessible for maintenance. The screen remains functional in filtering debris from drilling mud while being located in a safe, accessible position at the surface level rather than in the drill string or elevated positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If a filter screen is installed in the drill string, then debris filtering is provided, but the filter screen is subject to damage from drilling operations and may become lost or block the drill string

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris filtering capabilityVSAvoidrisk of damage and blockage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The filter screen is extracted from the drill string environment and placed in the mud tank. This removes it from the harmful drilling operations, high-velocity fluid flow, and mechanical stresses that could cause damage or blockage, while maintaining its debris filtering function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter screen is positioned in the mud tank as an intermediary location between the drill string and the drilling operations. It continues to filter debris from the circulating mud but is protected from the direct harmful effects of active drilling by being located in the stationary mud tank environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of repair

If filter screen maintenance requires pulling the entire drill string, then the filter screen can be cleaned or replaced, but significant time is lost and productivity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter screen maintenance capabilityVSAvoiddrilling operation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter screen is extracted from the drill string and placed in the mud tank where maintenance can be performed independently. This allows the screen to be cleaned or replaced without affecting the drill string or drilling operations, eliminating the need to pull the entire drill string for maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The filtering function is segmented from the drill string assembly and placed in the mud tank. This separation allows the filter screen to be maintained independently as a separate component, while the drill string continues drilling operations without interruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If a filter screen is installed at elevated positions on the drilling rig, then debris filtering is achieved, but safety hazards are created for personnel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris filtering capabilityVSAvoidsafety hazards to personnel

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The filter screen is extracted from elevated positions on the drilling rig and placed in the mud tank at surface level. This eliminates the safety hazards associated with working at heights while maintaining the screen's debris filtering function in a safe, accessible location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 surface-level filter screen assembly simplifies maintenance, enhances safety, and prevents blockages by ensuring continuous operation without the need for frequent removal and reinstallation, improving overall drilling efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a filter screen assembly is installed at the surface level on the discharge side of the mud pump

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

These are typically reciprocating positive displacement pumps, for example Triplex Pumps

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pumping: Pump

Data Source

PatentUS10557323B2Drilling fluid filter screen and method of use

Publication Date: 2020.02.11 HUNTING ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A filter screen assembly is shown for filtering drilling mud used during oil and gas well drilling operations. The filter screen assembly is installed at the surface of a well on the discharge side of the mud pump at ground level. The filter screen assembly is installed upstream of the rig swivel, rotary hose and Kelly and downstream of the discharge from the mud pump. Since it is located at ground level, it does not pose the safely hazard associated with elevated components. It does not need to be removed and reinstalled when additional segments are added to the drill string and is always easily accessible for routine maintenance or replacement.