Electrothermal Shaker Screen for Drilling Fluid Solids Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vibratory screening machines in the oil and gas industry are inadequate in removing low gravity solids from drilling fluids, which can damage equipment and hinder drilling operations, as these solids often remain in the fluids even after processing.
Innovation Solution
An electrothermal vibratory screening machine with a multilayered shaker screen assembly that utilizes electric currents for electroseparation, including electrophoresis, electromagnetic attraction, or electrocoagulation, to remove low gravity solids, and heats the drilling fluid to reduce viscosity and aid in solid removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional vibratory screening machines are used to separate solids from drilling fluid, then the basic solid separation function is performed, but low gravity solids remain in the fluid and cannot be effectively removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces purely mechanical vibratory screening with an electrothermal system that uses electric currents heated to high temperatures to separate low gravity solids. The electrothermal screen assembly uses electrical energy converted to thermal energy to achieve separation, substituting mechanical vibration with thermal-electrical mechanisms for improved separation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by applying high electric currents (hundreds of amps) to the screen assembly, transforming it into a high-temperature electrothermal system. This parameter change from conventional mechanical vibration to electrothermal processing enables effective removal of low gravity solids that conventional systems cannot separate.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple solid control equipment including centrifuges are used after shale shakers, then finer solids are removed, but the process is complex and some solids still remain in the recycled fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The electrothermal shaker performs multiple functions in one device: it acts as both a vibratory screen and an electrothermal separator. The system can handle both conventional screening and electrothermal separation of low gravity solids simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate centrifuge equipment and achieving more complete solid removal in a single unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of shale shaker screening and electrothermal separation into a single integrated system. By merging these functions, the patent eliminates the need for multiple separate equipment stages (shaker followed by centrifuge), reducing overall system complexity while achieving more complete solid removal.
3Manufacturing precision
If electric currents are applied to the shaker screen for electroseparation, then low gravity solids are effectively removed, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transition by heating the screen assembly to high temperatures through electric currents, creating thermal energy that facilitates solid separation. The electrothermal process leverages thermal phase changes and heat transfer to separate low gravity solids, making the energy consumption productive rather than wasteful.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces energy-inefficient mechanical vibratory screening with electrothermal separation that uses electrical energy converted to thermal energy. This substitution achieves better separation of low gravity solids while the energy is used productively to heat the screen and facilitate separation through thermal mechanisms.
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
Effectively removes low gravity solids from drilling fluids, improving the efficiency of solid separation and reducing the risk of equipment damage, while also preparing the fluids for further treatment and recycling.
Implementation Method 1
the shaker screen is constructed of a material that emits heat when a current is applied
Implementation Method 2
low gravity solids are removed from returned drilling fluids at the shaker via electrophoresis
Implementation Method 3
low gravity solids are removed from returned drilling fluids at the shaker via electromagnetic attraction
Implementation Method 4
low gravity solids are removed from returned drilling fluids at the shaker via electrocoagulation
Data Source
AI summary
A method of removing solids from a drilling fluid that includes applying a first electric current to a first screen of a screen assembly within a vibratory screening machine; passing the drilling fluid through the screen assembly while the first electric current is applied to allow electroseparation of solids within the drilling fluid; and removing electroseparated solids from the drilling fluid.