Floating Device Mud Level Measurement in Wellbore Annulus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In drilling operations, the drop in mud level during 'pulling a drill string out of a hole' (POOH dry) can lead to a reduction in hydrostatic pressure, making it difficult to detect influxes into the wellbore, which may result in delayed detection of well control events and potentially catastrophic consequences like blowouts, as the mud level changes cannot be accurately measured without continuous mud column extension to the surface.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a floating device with a transmitter and receiver setup that emits and detects signals to determine the mud level in the annulus, allowing for continuous monitoring of mud level changes and alerting drillers to potential influxes, even when the drill string is being pulled out of the wellbore.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the drill string is pulled out of the wellbore (POOH dry), then the drilling operation can proceed with bit changes or measurements, but the mud level drops and hydrostatic pressure decreases, making it difficult to detect influxes
Solution Approach 1:
A floating device acts as an intermediary element deployed into the wellbore annulus to track mud level. The device floats on the mud column and carries a transmitter that sends signals to a surface receiver, enabling continuous mud level measurement even when the mud column does not extend to the surface or during POOH operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical reliance on mud column extension to surface for level indication with an electronic signaling system. The floating device's transmitter emits signals (acoustic or electromagnetic) that are detected by the surface receiver, converting a mechanical level indication problem into an electronic measurement solution.
2Ease of operation
If the mud column does not extend to the surface, then drilling can proceed under certain conditions, but mud level changes cannot be read at the surface and mud properties cannot be measured
Solution Approach 1:
The floating device serves as a mobile intermediary that travels with the mud level. It carries the transmitter that communicates position information to the surface, bridging the gap between the subsea mud column and surface monitoring equipment without requiring the mud itself to reach the surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates an informational copy of the mud level position by having the floating device transmit its location data to the surface receiver. This allows surface operators to monitor mud level changes without the physical presence of mud at the surface.
3Reliability
If a traditional surface-level mud monitoring system is used, then mud level can be observed when the column extends to surface, but detection is delayed or impossible when mud level drops during POOH or lost circulation
Solution Approach 1:
The floating device is deployed into the wellbore before POOH or lost circulation events occur. This preliminary placement ensures the monitoring system is already in position to detect mud level changes immediately as they happen, rather than waiting for surface indicators that may no longer be valid.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a continuous feedback loop where the floating device constantly transmits its position to the surface receiver. This real-time feedback enables immediate detection of mud level drops, allowing operators to respond promptly to potential influx conditions.
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 real-time monitoring of mud levels, providing timely alerts for well control events and preventing potential blowouts by maintaining accurate hydrostatic pressure measurements throughout drilling and POOH operations.
Implementation Method 1
The transmitter emits a signal in a direction up the annulus. The receiver detects the signal emitted by the transmitter.
Implementation Method 2
The transmitter may include an acoustic wave transmitter.
Implementation Method 3
a floating device disposed on top of a column of drilling fluid in an annulus of a wellbore
Data Source
AI summary
Systems include a floating device disposed on a top of a column of drilling fluid in an annulus of a wellbore. The floating device includes a capsule. A transmitter or a reflector may be coupled to the capsule. The floating device may transmit signals to a surface region from the annulus or receive signals from the surface region and reflect at least a portion of the received signals. A receiver in the surface region receives transmitted signals or reflected signals from the floating device and determines a distance between the floating device and a reference point in the surface region. The distance indicates a level of the drilling fluid in the annulus.