Automated Valve and Venturi Extractor for Drilling Cuttings Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing efficiency of diamond-based drilling bits has made it difficult for human mudloggers to collect cutting samples frequently enough to accurately identify smaller oil and gas zones, as they struggle to gather samples for every 30 feet of drilling, leading to inefficiencies and reduced sample integrity.
Innovation Solution
An automated system, known as the Flow Line Automated Sample Collector (FLASC), which uses an automated valve to collect and transfer fluid samples, including cutting samples, to a conduit for packaging, employing a venturi-effect extractor and a packaging system that separates cuttings from the carrier fluid and stores them on a reel, allowing for more frequent sampling and reduced on-site labor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If automated sample collection is implemented, then sampling frequency and data accuracy improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs automated valves, pumps, and packaging mechanisms that operate autonomously to collect, transfer, and package cutting samples without human intervention. The automated valve collects samples during a first cycle and transfers them during a second cycle, while the pump automatically moves samples through conduits to packaging machines that seal and label them, enabling the system to serve itself and maintain high sampling frequency.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample collection system is divided into distinct functional modules: automated valve for sample collection, pump for sample transfer, conduit for fluid transport, and packaging machine for sample sealing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while reducing overall system complexity through modular design.
2Productivity
If manual sample collection by mudlogger is used, then device complexity is low, but productivity decreases due to inability to collect frequent samples
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical process of mudloggers hand-carrying samples is replaced with an automated system using electrically actuated valves, pumps, and conveyor mechanisms. The automated valve collects samples, the pump transfers them through conduits, and the packaging machine processes them, substituting human physical labor with automated mechanical systems to achieve high sampling rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces intermediary components such as the automated valve, pump, and packaging machine that mediate between the flow line and the final sample storage. These intermediaries enable automated sample collection and processing, bridging the gap between drilling operations and sample analysis without requiring direct human intervention at each stage.
3Loss of time
If samples are collected manually and transported, then equipment cost is low, but loss of time occurs during collection and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the automated valve collect samples and the pump transfer them to packaging machines in advance of when they are needed for analysis. Samples are pre-collected and pre-packaged during drilling operations, eliminating delays that would occur if samples were collected and transported manually after drilling intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system maintains continuous operation with the valve collecting samples during a first cycle and transferring them during a second cycle, while the pump continuously moves samples through conduits to packaging machines. This continuous automated process eliminates the intermittent delays inherent in manual collection and transport, maintaining uninterrupted sample acquisition throughout drilling operations.
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
Enables the collection of more frequent cutting samples, improving the identification of smaller oil and gas zones, reducing the need for human labor, maintaining sample integrity, and allowing for the storage of well gas samples, thereby enhancing drilling efficiency and data accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a venturi-effect extractor and a packaging system. The venturi-effect extractor receives a flow of carrier fluid, input fluid containing cuttings in response to suction generated by the flow of the carrier fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A system for automated collection of cutting samples produced during the drilling of a well includes a venturi-effect extractor, which receives a flow of carrier fluid, input fluid containing cuttings in response to suction generated by the flow of the carrier fluid, and output the carrier fluid and the fluid containing the cuttings to a packaging system. The packaging system separates the cuttings from carrier fluid and the fluid containing the cuttings, deposits the cuttings at a corresponding point along a moving elongated strip of base material, covers the elongated strip of base material and the cuttings deposited on the base material with an elongated strip of cover material, and advances the covered elongated strip of base material and covered cuttings onto a reel.