Real-Time Gas Extraction Efficiency Measurement in Drilling Fluid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining hydrocarbon components in drilling fluids returning from a wellbore lack accuracy due to variable gas extraction efficiency, which is not reliably measured, affecting the determination of gas/oil and oil/water contacts in drilling operations.
Innovation Solution
A system and method involving a dynamic and static gas extraction process using a chamber and gas measurement device, where the gas extraction efficiency is calculated by measuring gas amounts during both processes and using a dissolution curve to correct for residual gases, enabling real-time determination of hydrocarbon components and extraction efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If gas extraction is performed using a single dynamic process with continuous flow, then the measurement process is simple and fast, but the extraction efficiency is variable and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The gas extraction process is divided into two distinct segments: a dynamic process for continuous flow measurement and a static process for efficiency calibration. The dynamic process maintains continuous drilling fluid flow through the chamber for real-time monitoring, while the static process periodically stops the flow to perform precise extraction efficiency measurements. This segmentation allows each process to optimize for its specific purpose, resolving the contradiction between measurement speed and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic alternation between dynamic and static processes. The static process is performed at predetermined intervals to recalibrate the extraction efficiency, while the dynamic process continues for continuous monitoring. This periodic action ensures that the measurement system maintains high accuracy without sacrificing overall productivity, as the static calibration steps are relatively brief compared to the continuous dynamic monitoring.
2Device complexity
If gas extraction efficiency is not measured, then the measurement process is simpler and faster, but the determination of hydrocarbon components and gas/oil contacts becomes inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by using the static process to automatically determine extraction efficiency without requiring external intervention or complex additional equipment. The dissolution curve obtained during the static process inherently provides the calibration data needed, allowing the system to self-correct and maintain measurement accuracy autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters between dynamic and static modes. During the static process, flow rate and other parameters are adjusted to optimal values for efficiency measurement, while during the dynamic process, parameters are optimized for continuous monitoring. This parameter adjustment allows accurate efficiency measurement without permanently increasing system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If a static process is added for efficiency calibration, then extraction efficiency measurement becomes accurate, but the overall measurement time and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The static process is performed for a limited duration just sufficient to obtain accurate extraction efficiency data, rather than extending the calibration process unnecessarily. The predetermined interval between static processes is optimized to balance accuracy requirements with time constraints, performing calibration only when needed to maintain measurement precision without excessive time loss.
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 approach provides accurate and reliable measurements of hydrocarbon components and extraction efficiency, enhancing the precision of gas/oil and oil/water contact determinations, thereby improving drilling operations and formation characterization.
Implementation Method 1
Additional gas may be released into the mud from the oil or condensate due to changing PVT (pressure, volume, temperature) conditions from subsurface to surface
Implementation Method 2
A carrier gas, such as fresh air, is supplied to the fluid in the gas trap and the fluid is continuously agitated with a mechanical agitator. This process separates the gas entrapped in the drilling fluid flowing through the gas trap.
Implementation Method 3
The separated gas, mixed with the carrier gas introduced to the gas trap is pulled out from the gas trap by a pneumatic unit
Implementation Method 4
The separated gas, mixed with the carrier gas introduced to the gas trap is pulled out from the gas trap by a pneumatic unit
Implementation Method 5
supplied to a gas measurement device or unit, such as a mass spectrometer and/or a gas chromatograph, which determines the amount (quantity) of gas present per unit volume in the drilling fluid received from the wellbore during drilling of the wellbore
Implementation Method 6
supplied to a gas measurement device or unit, such as a mass spectrometer and/or a gas chromatograph, which determines the amount (quantity) of gas present per unit volume in the drilling fluid received from the wellbore during drilling of the wellbore
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for determining an efficiency of gas extraction. A chamber allows inflow and outflow of the drilling fluid. An amount of gas extracted from a drilling fluid flowing through the chamber at a constant rate during a dynamic process is measured. A dissolution curve is obtained indicative of a gas remaining in the chamber after the dynamic process. An amount drawn from the chamber during a static process subsequent to the dynamic process is measured. An amount of gas from the drilling fluid during the static process is determined from a difference between the amount of gas drawn from the chamber during the static process and an amount of gas indicated by the dissolution curve. The gas extraction efficiency is determined from a ratio of the amount of gas extracted during the static process and the amount of gas extracted during the dynamic process.