Optical Drill Cuttings Analysis Under Controlled UV and Visible Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in petroleum geology is the non-repeatability and bias in manual analysis of rock cuttings from drilling operations, which can obscure subtle geological differences due to variations in expertise and location, necessitating a standardized and operator-agnostic analysis method.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for automated, standardized visual analysis of rock cuttings using an enclosed system with controlled lighting, including visible and ultraviolet illumination, a camera device, and image processing to generate consistent and reliable reports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual analysis by experts is used, then geological information can be interpreted, but the analysis becomes biased and non-repeatable due to human factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual analysis by experts with an automated imaging system that uses cameras, lighting systems, and image processing software to objectively measure cuttings properties. This substitution eliminates human bias and ensures consistent, repeatable results across different analysts and locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies (images) of the rock cuttings samples and analyzes these copies through image processing algorithms. By working with digital representations rather than direct manual observation, the system achieves objective, reproducible measurements that are independent of the analyst's expertise or location.
2Measurement precision
If standardized automated analysis is implemented, then consistency and repeatability improve, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The analysis system is divided into separate functional modules: sample preparation, imaging (with multiple lighting systems), image processing, and data analysis. Each module performs a specific function independently, making the overall complex system manageable and allowing for optimized performance of each component without requiring complexity throughout the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system is designed to handle multiple types of cuttings samples and can perform various analysis functions (color measurement, particle size determination, shape analysis, luminescence detection) using the same basic apparatus. This multi-functionality justifies the system complexity by providing versatile, high-precision measurement capabilities for different geological applications.
3Measurement precision
If external electromagnetic radiation is present, then ambient light can be detected, but it interferes with the accuracy of optical measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates external electromagnetic radiation interference by conducting the analysis within a light-tight enclosure that blocks ambient light. The system only introduces controlled electromagnetic radiation through dedicated lighting systems, thereby removing the harmful variable of external radiation while maintaining the ability to perform optical measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure is designed in advance to prevent external electromagnetic radiation from entering the analysis chamber. By establishing this protective barrier before the measurement process begins, the system proactively counteracts the potential interference from ambient light sources, ensuring accurate optical measurements without the need for complex real-time correction algorithms.
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
The solution provides consistent, robust, and reliable analysis of rock cuttings by eliminating external radiation interference and operator bias, ensuring repeatable and accurate determination of parameters like color, size, and shape.
Implementation Method 1
the lighting system comprises at least a first set of illumination elements. Preferably, the first set of illumination elements produce white light. Preferably, the lighting system comprises a second set of illumination elements, and wherein said second set of illumination elements produce ultraviolet light.
Implementation Method 2
said camera device is configured to detect radiation resulting from an interaction between illumination provided by said lighting system and said sample.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes an enclosure body providing an enclosed space eliminating external sources of electromagnetic radiation with a door and a sample plate; a camera device mounted to the enclosure body and including a lens, an image sensor, and a processing unit; and a lighting system mounted in the enclosure body and having at least a first set of illumination elements, the lighting system being configured to illuminate a sample arranged on the sample plate, wherein the camera device is configured to detect radiation resulting from an interaction between illumination provided by the lighting system and the sample.