Radar Velocity Measurement of Drilled Cuttings on Shaker Screens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring the velocity of cuttings on a shaker screen are prone to errors due to approximation and lack of ongoing velocity readings, which can lead to inaccuracies in determining the volume of cuttings.
Innovation Solution
The use of radar technology to track the movement of cuttings across the shaker screen, emitting electromagnetic waves at the discharge end to capture velocities accurately, combined with optical devices for area measurement, to calculate the volume of cuttings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional approximation methods are used to measure cutting velocity, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical or optical tracking methods with radar technology to measure cutting velocity. The radar system emits electromagnetic waves that reflect off the cuttings on the shaker screen, providing continuous and accurate velocity measurements without complex mechanical components or sensitivity to lighting conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces radar waves as an intermediary medium to measure cutting velocity indirectly. Instead of directly tracking the physical movement of cuttings with mechanical sensors, the system uses electromagnetic wave reflection to obtain velocity data, which resolves the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
2Reliability
If conventional methods are used, then device complexity is low, but reliability of ongoing velocity readings deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The radar system provides continuous velocity measurements of cuttings as they move across the shaker screen. Unlike conventional snapshot methods, the radar continuously emits electromagnetic waves and processes reflections, ensuring ongoing and reliable velocity data without interruption or approximation.
3Measurement precision
If radar technology is used to measure velocity, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radar system serves multiple functions: it measures cutting velocity, determines cutting volume, and provides continuous monitoring capability. This multi-functionality justifies the increased device complexity by delivering comprehensive measurement capabilities that conventional single-purpose methods cannot achieve.
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 provides accurate and ongoing velocity measurements, overcoming challenges such as vibration, lighting variations, and mud splash, resulting in precise volume calculations of cuttings.
Implementation Method 1
emitting, using a radar, an electromagnetic wave toward at least one of a discharge end of the shaker screen and a transit; detecting a reflection of the electromagnetic wave reflected off at least a portion of the downhole materials
Implementation Method 2
detecting a reflection of the electromagnetic wave reflected off at least a portion of the downhole materials
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a shaker screen onto which downhole materials and fluid from a borehole are to be placed, the downhole materials a product of a downhole operation and a shaker to vibrate the shaker screen to separate the downhole materials from the fluid. The apparatus includes a radar to emit an electromagnetic wave onto the downhole materials on at least one of the shaker screen and a transit and detect a reflection of the electromagnetic wave reflected off at least a portion of the downhole materials and a device to determine a velocity of the downhole materials advancing along at least one of the shaker screen toward a discharge end of the shaker screen and the transit.