Digital Imaging Drilling Mud Flow Rate Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wellbore drilling operations lack effective real-time monitoring of drilling mud flow, leading to potential hazards and inefficiencies, as manual inspection is time-consuming and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a digital imaging system coupled with machine learning models, such as convolutional neural networks, to capture and process images of drilling mud flow, determining flow rates and providing real-time feedback and recommended actions to optimize drilling operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual inspection methods are used to monitor drilling mud flow, then operational simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to time-consuming processes and human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection methods with an automated digital imaging system that uses cameras and image processing algorithms to capture and analyze drilling mud flow characteristics. This substitution eliminates human error and time-consuming manual measurements while providing precise, objective flow rate data through computer-based image analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a digital imaging device as an intermediary between the drilling mud flow and the monitoring system. The imaging device captures visual data of the flow, which is then processed through image analysis algorithms to determine flow rates. This intermediary enables non-contact, automated measurement without directly interfering with the drilling operation.
2Reliability
If real-time digital imaging and image processing systems are implemented to monitor drilling mud flow, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the digital imaging system continuously captures drilling mud flow data, processes it through image analysis, and provides real-time flow rate measurements. This continuous feedback loop enables reliable monitoring of flow conditions, allowing operators to detect anomalies and adjust operations promptly, thereby enhancing overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the monitoring system to perform self-service through automated image capture and processing. The digital imaging device and image analysis algorithms work autonomously to measure flow rates without requiring constant human intervention. The system automatically processes images, calculates flow parameters, and generates measurements, reducing operational complexity despite the advanced technology involved.
3Productivity
If manual inspection methods are used for monitoring drilling operations, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming inspection processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous monitoring of drilling mud flow through automated digital imaging and real-time image processing. Unlike intermittent manual inspections, the system continuously captures and analyzes flow data, ensuring uninterrupted monitoring of drilling operations. This continuity eliminates downtime associated with manual checks and maintains constant productivity throughout the drilling process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual inspection processes with automated digital imaging and computer-based image analysis. This substitution eliminates the bottleneck of manual measurement and enables rapid, automated determination of flow rates, significantly increasing operational productivity while reducing the time required for monitoring tasks.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes methods and systems, including computer-implemented methods, computer program products, and computer systems, for monitoring the flow of drilling mud from a wellbore by image processing. One method includes: capturing, using a digital imaging device, images of drilling mud at a surface of the wellbore as the drilling mud flows through one or more image capture zones of a circulation system that circulates drilling mud through the wellbore and a wellbore drilling assembly; receiving, by one or more processors of a computer system operatively coupled to the digital imaging device, the images captured by the digital imaging device; and processing, by the one or more processors, the images captured by the digital imaging device to determine a rate of flow of the drilling mud through the one or more image capture zones.