Particle Origin Detection in Drilling Fluids
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing the effectiveness and safety of subterranean wellbore operations, particularly in determining the lag time and origin of particulates carried by drilling fluids, are inadequate, as they do not accurately account for the size, shape, and trajectory of particles, which can lead to inefficiencies and increased costs in hydrocarbon recovery operations.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize an imaging device and controller to analyze the size and shape of particles in the drilling fluid, determine their settling rate, and adjust operational parameters based on their origin within the wellbore, incorporating a neural network for particle identification and a pump schedule analysis to optimize drilling operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional lag test methods are used to estimate particle transport time, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision is insufficient because they do not account for particle size, shape, and trajectory variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments particles into different size categories (e.g., 0-0.5mm, 0.5-1.0mm, 1.0-2.0mm) and analyzes each size range separately. This segmentation allows for more precise determination of particle origin by considering size-specific transport characteristics, while the automated imaging system handles the complexity of analyzing multiple size categories simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical lag test methods with an optical imaging system that uses cameras and image processing algorithms. This substitution enables precise measurement of particle size, shape, and position without the complexity of physical tracer injection and collection systems, achieving high measurement precision through non-contact optical measurement
2Measurement precision
If particle size and shape analysis is implemented to determine settling rates, then the determination of particle origin is improved, but the use of energy increases due to imaging and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures images at specific intervals rather than continuous imaging, analyzing only the necessary particle parameters (size, shape, position) rather than all possible characteristics. This partial action approach provides sufficient precision for settling rate determination while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous full-spectrum analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system creates digital copies of particles through photographs, which can be analyzed repeatedly without additional energy input. Once the image is captured, multiple measurements and analyses can be performed on the digital copy, eliminating the need for repeated physical measurement and reducing overall energy consumption
3Reliability
If real-time particle tracking and operational parameter adjustment are implemented, then drilling operation safety is improved, but the response time increases due to the complexity of analysis and adjustment procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated feedback loops where particle analysis results directly trigger operational parameter adjustments. When particles indicating potential issues (e.g., sand leakage, pipe blockages) are detected, the system automatically alerts operators and can trigger pre-programmed responses, reducing response time while maintaining high safety standards through continuous monitoring and immediate feedback
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses particle analysis to predict potential drilling issues before they become critical problems. By detecting early signs of sand leakage, pipe blockages, or other hazards through particle characteristics, the system enables preliminary actions to be taken, preventing safety incidents before they occur and reducing the need for emergency response time
4Productivity
If comprehensive particle analysis is performed to identify formation damage and optimize operations, then hydrocarbon recovery effectiveness is improved, but the quantity of data to be processed increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the most relevant particle parameters (size, shape, position, velocity) from the full image data, discarding redundant information. This extraction approach provides sufficient data for formation damage identification and operation optimization while significantly reducing the quantity of data that needs to be stored and processed, improving productivity without being overwhelmed by data volume
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 allows for precise determination of particle origin and adjustment of wellbore parameters, enhancing the efficiency and safety of drilling operations by reducing particle accumulation and optimizing fluid dynamics, thereby improving hydrocarbon recovery and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging device and controller to analyze the size and shape of particles in the drilling fluid
Implementation Method 2
determine their settling rate
Implementation Method 3
determine a particle velocity for each of the particles within the wellbore from the size and shape determined for each of the particles
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described for determining the lag time and origin of particles in entrained in a mud stream. A size and shape of the particles may be evaluated at the surface with a visual inspection system, which permits a settling rate to be determined for each of the particles in a non-Newtonian mud stream. Together with an analysis of the pumping schedule, mud properties, trajectory of the wellbore and other fluid dynamics associated with a wellbore operation, an origin of the each of the particles from within the wellbore may be determined. At least one operational parameter for the wellbore operation may be adjusted based on the determined origin of the particles. For example, a clean-out procedure may be initiated if it is determined that particles are settling in an undesirable location in the wellbore.