Optically Pumped Magnetometer for Real-Time Drilling Fluid Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current drilling operations face challenges in real-time characterization of subterranean material mineralogy and management of drilling fluid composition, leading to potential wellbore problems and non-productive time risks due to limited ability to monitor magnetic properties and casing wear.

Innovation Solution

Employing an optically pumped magnetometer (OPM) to measure magnetic susceptibility of recovered subterranean material, allowing for real-time analysis of low-gravity solids and iron particulates, which informs drilling fluid management and operational parameter adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional drilling operations are used without real-time magnetic property monitoring, then operational simplicity is maintained, but the ability to characterize subterranean material mineralogy and manage drilling fluid composition deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time characterization capabilityVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical and chemical analysis methods with magnetic field-based detection using optically pumped magnetometers. This substitution enables real-time measurement of magnetic susceptibility of drill cuttings and drilling fluids, providing continuous mineralogy characterization without complex mechanical sampling and laboratory analysis systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces magnetic susceptibility as an intermediary parameter that correlates with mineral composition. By measuring magnetic properties of drill cuttings and drilling fluids, the system indirectly characterizes subterranean material mineralogy and monitors drilling fluid composition, avoiding direct complex chemical analysis while achieving real-time monitoring capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If real-time magnetic property monitoring is implemented, then drilling efficiency and operational risk management are improved, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrilling efficiencyVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous feedback loops where magnetic susceptibility measurements of drill cuttings and drilling fluids are实时 converted into operational parameters. This feedback enables dynamic adjustment of drilling operations, real-time drilling fluid management, and immediate detection of downhole conditions, significantly improving drilling efficiency and risk management through continuous monitoring and response.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If magnetic susceptibility measurement is used to monitor drilling fluid composition, then fluid management is optimized, but measurement and detection difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrilling fluid management reliabilityVSAvoidmagnetic property measurement difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs optically pumped magnetometers that automatically measure magnetic susceptibility of drilling fluids and drill cuttings without requiring manual sampling, preparation, or complex calibration procedures. The system performs self-contained measurements directly in the drilling fluid stream, eliminating the need for separate laboratory analysis and reducing measurement complexity while improving reliability of fluid composition monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 characterization of subterranean formations, reduces casing wear, and optimizes drilling fluid composition, thereby minimizing operational risks and improving drilling efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

measure a magnetic response of the subterranean material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic susceptibility: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

employing an optically pumped magnetometer (OPM) to measure magnetic susceptibility

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptically pumped magnetometer detection: Magnetometer

Data Source

PatentUS10989646B1Real time magnetic properties of drill cuttings, drilling fluids, and soils

Publication Date: 2021.04.27 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

Systems and methods of the present disclosure generally relate to real time characterization of material recovered from a subterranean formation, based on magnetic properties. A system comprises an enclosure comprising electromagnetic shielding; an optically pumped magnetometer (OPM) disposed within the enclosure; and a sample conduit extending into the enclosure, the sample conduit configured to receive a subterranean material recovered from a wellbore, the OPM configured to detect a magnetic response of the subterranean material.