Computer-Controlled Pressure Relief for Drilling Fluid Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wellbore drilling, rapid increases in drilling fluid pressure due to pack offs can lead to downhole formation fractures, loss of drilling fluid, and potential wellbore loss, as existing systems lack efficient automatic pressure regulation.
Innovation Solution
A computer-controlled pressure relief system is integrated into the drilling fluid circulation system, which automatically reduces drilling fluid pressure in the standpipe by diverting fluid back to reservoirs when pressure parameters are exceeded, using a pressure relief device connected to a computer system that monitors and responds to real-time pressure and flow measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual pressure monitoring and regulation methods are used, then operators can detect pressure increases, but the response time is slow and physical effort is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-regulation of drilling fluid pressure through computer-controlled diverter valves that autonomously divert excess fluid back to reservoirs when pressure thresholds are exceeded, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention and reducing response time
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors drilling fluid pressure and flow rate through sensors, processes this data through a computer system, and automatically adjusts diverter valve positions based on real-time pressure measurements, creating a closed-loop feedback control system that rapidly responds to pressure changes
2Productivity
If high drilling fluid pressure is maintained to overcome flow resistance, then sufficient velocity is achieved to move cuttings and cool the drill bit, but downhole formation fractures occur and drilling fluid is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts drilling fluid pressure by automatically diverting excess fluid through computer-controlled valves, allowing pressure to be optimized in real-time to maintain sufficient flow velocity for cuttings removal and bit cooling while preventing pressure from reaching levels that would cause formation fractures
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter of the drilling fluid by diverting portions of the fluid back to reservoirs, thereby reducing standpipe pressure to safe levels while maintaining adequate flow velocity through the wellbore to prevent formation fractures
3Stress or pressure
If pressure relief devices are manually operated, then pressure can be reduced, but the process requires physical effort and is less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical operation of pressure relief devices with an automated computer-controlled system that uses electronic signals to actuate diverter valves, eliminating the need for physical operator effort while efficiently reducing pressure through automatic fluid diversion
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
This solution prevents formation fractures, reduces wear on equipment, and is faster and more efficient than manual methods, minimizing physical effort and preventing mud pump ruptures and equipment damage.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure relief device regulating flow from the pump to the drill string interior
Implementation Method 2
which monitors and responds to real-time pressure and flow measurements
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method are disclosed for regulating drilling fluid pressure in a drilling fluid circulation system. In one embodiment, a drilling fluid circulation system includes a processor (110) connected to a pressure relief device (104), which is connected to piping between a discharge of a drilling fluid pump (30) and an inlet of a drill string (31). The processor receives pressure measurement signals representative of a pressure of the drilling fluid in the piping and flow parameter signals representative of a flow of the drilling fluid through the piping. From the pressure measurement signals and the flow parameter signals, the processor determines that a target pressure parameter of the drilling fluid in the piping is not satisfied. In response, the processor lowers the pressure of the drilling fluid in the piping until the target pressure parameter is satisfied by at least partially opening the pressure relief device.