Rotating Blade Flow Measurement for Drilling Fluids
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for monitoring the flow rate of drilling fluids in well drilling operations are inaccurate due to the paddle wheel flow indicator's limitations, which only measure surface velocity and are affected by bed occlusions of stationary drill cuttings, leading to variations in flow area and turbulence during drilling operations.
Innovation Solution
A fluid sampling and flow measurement apparatus with a rotating blade assembly that controls fluid levels by continuously rotating blades within the apparatus, allowing for accurate measurement of flow rate and automatic sampling without manual intervention, while maintaining minimal splash and uninterrupted fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a paddle wheel flow indicator is used to measure drilling fluid flow rate, then the measurement can be implemented with simple structure, but the measurement precision deteriorates because it only measures surface velocity and is affected by bed occlusions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical paddle wheel system with an electromagnetic flow measurement system using magnetic fields and sensors to detect fluid velocity and calculate flow rate, eliminating mechanical contact and associated measurement errors from surface-only detection and bed occlusions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs electromagnetic fields interacting with the conductive drilling fluid to generate measurement signals, using the fluid's own electrical properties to enable accurate flow rate detection without mechanical interference
2Device complexity
If manual sampling methods are used to obtain drilling fluid samples, then the equipment complexity is reduced, but the productivity deteriorates due to loss of time and the need for direct personnel involvement
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic sampling where the flow measurement apparatus itself performs sample acquisition and delivery without requiring rig personnel intervention, with the fluid automatically directed to sampling containers based on measured flow conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The flow measurement apparatus integrates multiple functions including flow rate measurement, automatic sample timing, sample delivery, and data recording into a single system, eliminating the need for separate manual sampling operations
3Reliability
If the flow rate of returning drilling fluid decreases due to formation influx, then the wellbore pressure control becomes more difficult, but the measurement precision requirement increases to detect small flow rate changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously measures flow rate and provides real-time data feedback to monitoring systems, enabling immediate detection of flow changes and allowing operators to adjust wellbore pressure control strategies accordingly
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic measurement system provides continuous, high-resolution flow rate data without the measurement gaps and errors associated with mechanical paddle wheels, enabling reliable detection of small flow changes that indicate formation influx
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 apparatus provides accurate real-time monitoring of drilling fluid flow rates, preventing loss of circulation materials by maintaining optimal pressure conditions and reducing the need for manual sampling, thus enhancing drilling efficiency and stability.
Implementation Method 1
a rotating blade assembly disposed within said body and comprising a plurality of blades, said rotating blade assembly being adapted to rotate in response to rotation of said drive motor and in response to flow of said fluid through said apparatus from said fluid inlet to said fluid outlet
Implementation Method 2
said rotating blade assembly being adapted to be continuously and controllably rotated about said central axis to thereby control a fluid level of said flow of said fluid entering said fluid inlet during said controlled rotation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An apparatus includes a body having a central axis, a fluid inlet coupled to the body, the fluid inlet being adapted to receive a flow of a fluid, and a fluid outlet coupled to the body. The fluid inlet and the fluid outlet are substantially coaxially aligned so as to define a flow axis through the apparatus, and the flow axis is laterally offset from and perpendicular to the central axis of the body. A rotating blade assembly is disposed within said body and includes a plurality of blades, wherein the rotating blade assembly is adapted to be controllably rotated about the central axis so as to control a fluid level of the flow of fluid entering the fluid inlet.