Handheld NIR Spectrometer for Drilling Cuttings Hydrocarbon Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining hydrocarbon concentration in drilling cuttings are either inaccurate, time-consuming, or require solvent extraction, making them inefficient for frequent monitoring and compliance with environmental regulations.
Innovation Solution
A handheld near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy device with diffuse reflectance data and partial least squares (PLS) analysis is used to create a site-specific predictive model for hydrocarbon concentration in drilling cuttings, allowing for rapid and accurate measurements without solvent addition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If retort method is used to measure hydrocarbon concentration, then measurement accuracy is improved, but measurement time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal evaporation mechanism of the retort method with near-infrared spectroscopy. The NIR device uses infrared light to directly detect hydrocarbon concentrations in drilling cuttings, eliminating the need for heating and evaporation processes, thereby reducing measurement time from hours to minutes while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the optical properties of hydrocarbons in the near-infrared region. By measuring absorbance of NIR radiation by hydrocarbon molecules, the method detects concentration without requiring phase changes or thermal processing, enabling rapid measurement while preserving measurement precision
2Reliability
If retort method is used frequently for monitoring, then environmental compliance is improved, but operational complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex thermal processing equipment with a portable NIR spectrometer that provides rapid, field-deployable measurements. This substitution enables frequent monitoring without requiring laboratory facilities, reducing operational complexity while maintaining reliable compliance monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The NIR measurement system requires minimal preparation and can be deployed directly at the drilling site. The method automatically provides compliance data without requiring complex sample processing, making the monitoring system self-sufficient and easy to operate frequently
3Measurement precision
If solvent extraction method is used for hydrocarbon analysis, then measurement accuracy is improved, but process complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the hydrocarbon detection function from the complex solvent extraction process. By using near-infrared spectroscopy, the method directly measures hydrocarbon concentrations without requiring solvent removal or complex sample preparation steps, thereby reducing process complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces chemical extraction methods with optical detection. The NIR spectroscopy method uses infrared radiation to directly interact with hydrocarbon molecules, eliminating the need for solvents and chemical processing steps, thereby simplifying the overall analysis process
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 method provides a quick, accurate, and solvent-free means to determine hydrocarbon concentration, significantly reducing measurement time and improving compliance with environmental regulations, while optimizing drilling fluid usage and costs.
Implementation Method 1
handheld near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy device with diffuse reflectance data
Implementation Method 2
diffuse reflectance window to obtain NIR diffuse reflectance data
Implementation Method 3
Partial least squares regression analysis is used to correlate the hydrocarbon concentration data with the NIR diffuse reflectance data to generate a calibration model
Implementation Method 4
A retort is a well-known device that heats a sample to separate fluids from solids by evaporation, resulting in percentage solid, percentage water and percentage oil
Data Source
AI summary
Hydrocarbons concentrations are determined in drilling cuttings samples by generating a model for predicting hydrocarbons concentrations. Methods include dividing multiple samples removed from drilling fluid into two one set analyzed using a retort, and another set analyzed using a handheld NIR spectrometer to obtain NIR diffuse reflectance data. PLS analysis is used to correlate the retort data with the diffuse reflectance data to generate a calibration model. The model is validated with samples having unknown hydrocarbons concentration. The model is used to predict the hydrocarbons concentration for samples removed from drilling fluid taken from the rig site using the spectrometer to obtain diffuse reflectance data. During measurements, each sample contains 0.1 to 10 wt % moisture and each sample is in a clear container pressed against the spectrometer window such that the IR source from the handheld device can pass to the drilled solids sample within the clear container without opening the clear container.