MRI-Based Drilling Mud Recycling Control System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack a comprehensive and efficient method for real-time, in-vivo rheology measurements of drilling muds, which is essential for optimizing recycling conditions and treatment, particularly for defining mud characteristics like fluid phase, alkalinity, and chemical composition to enhance drilling efficiency and borehole stability.
Innovation Solution
An integrated system combining MRI devices with pressure sensors and processors to analyze drilling mud recycling lines, generating rheological parameters and quality indicators, and controlling recycling processes based on these analyses, allowing for continuous, on-line optimization of drilling mud composition and treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional rheological measurement methods are used for drilling mud analysis, then the measurement process is simple and equipment is available, but real-time in-vivo measurements cannot be performed and recycling optimization is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines MRI imaging capability with rheological measurement functionality into a single integrated system. The MRI device is configured to image the drilling mud sample while pressure sensors and other measurement devices are integrated within the same system, allowing simultaneous acquisition of structural and rheological data without requiring separate measurement processes
Solution Approach 2:
The MRI device is adapted to serve multiple functions: it not only provides structural imaging of the drilling mud but also enables rheological parameter measurement through integrated pressure sensing and flow control mechanisms. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate specialized equipment for different types of measurements
2Productivity
If comprehensive analysis of drilling mud properties is performed, then recycling optimization is improved, but analysis time and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs continuous measurement and analysis of drilling mud properties throughout the recycling process. The MRI device continuously images the mud sample while it flows through the system, and rheological parameters are measured continuously rather than at discrete intervals, enabling real-time optimization without interrupting the recycling workflow
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of drilling mud properties using non-invasive MRI imaging before conducting more detailed rheological measurements. This allows for early identification of mud condition issues and prioritization of measurement resources, reducing overall analysis time by focusing detailed measurements only when necessary
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 enables real-time monitoring and optimization of drilling mud properties, improving drilling efficiency, borehole stability, and recycling processes by providing accurate rheological data and composition control, thus enhancing the overall drilling operation.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device configured to provide at least one image of at least a portion of said drilling mud
Implementation Method 2
pressure sensors arranged to measure a radial pressure profile of drilling mud in said drilling mud recycling line
Data Source
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AI summary
An NMR/MRI-based integrated system for analyzing and treating of a drilling mud for drilling mud recycling line; the system comprising drilling mud recycling equipment; an NMR/MRI device configured to provide at least one image of at least a portion of the drilling mud at least one characterized recycling step in the drilling mud recycling line; and a processor for analyzing and controlling the recycling of the drilling mud; wherein the NMR/MRI-based integrated system is operating in a method of analyzing the NMR/MRI image online; operatively communicating results of the analysis to the drilling mud recycling equipment; and online feedback controlling at least one step in the recycling of the drilling mud recycling equipment, thereby controlling automatically at least one step in the recycling of the drilling mud recycling.