Self-Cleaning Thermometer for Mud Pit Gel Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermometers used to monitor mud pit temperatures become coated with gelled drilling fluid, leading to slow temperature change detection due to insulating behavior, which is problematic for real-time event detection and data analysis.
Innovation Solution
A self-cleaning temperature sensor system that includes a bellows, pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, temperature sensor, and a self-cleaning system with a hood and cleaning brush, allowing the sensor to extend and retract to break gels and maintain accurate temperature measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the thermometer is placed in the mud pit to monitor temperature, then temperature monitoring capability is improved, but the sensor becomes coated with gelled drilling fluid causing measurement delay
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system performs self-cleaning through automatic extension and retraction movements that shed gelled fluid coating from the temperature sensor surface, eliminating the need for external intervention and maintaining measurement accuracy over time
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor transitions from a static position to a dynamic system with automatic extension and retraction capabilities, allowing the sensor to move between retracted and extended positions to prevent coating accumulation and maintain thermal contact
2Ease of manufacture
If the sensor remains stationary in the mud pit, then installation simplicity is improved, but gel buildup causes insulating behavior and measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor incorporates automatic extension and retraction mechanisms that create periodic motion, preventing gelled fluid from forming insulating layers while maintaining simple installation through automated operation
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system employs periodic extension and retraction cycles that automatically prevent gel buildup, maintaining measurement reliability without requiring complex manual intervention or complex mechanical structures
Data Source
AI summary
A self-cleaning temperature sensor comprises: a bellows coupled to a support structure; a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder; a sensor configured to measure a temperature of a fluid and extending from the pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, wherein the sensor comprises an exposure end configured to contact the fluid during sensing by the sensor; sensor wires connected with the sensor and extending to a control system; and a self-cleaning system comprising: a hood having walls extending radially outward a distance along a central axis wherein the hood defines a first volume; and a cleaning brush integrated with or adjacent the bottom of the support structure. In a retracted configuration, the exposure end of the sensor is positioned at a retracted position a distance from cleaning brush, and, in an extended configuration, the exposure end of the sensor extends a distance along the central axis away from the retracted position.