Self-Cleaning Cyclone for Sticky Drilling Cuttings Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cyclone separators in drilling rigs are prone to clogging due to wet or sticky cuttings, leading to biased samples and equipment downtime, which is a challenge for autonomous drilling operations in remote and harsh conditions.
Innovation Solution
A self-cleaning cyclone design with a rotating inner body and integrated cleaning assemblies to continuously remove buildup, combined with a fines recovery apparatus to recirculate fine particulates, ensuring continuous operation and accurate sampling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional stationary cyclone separator is used, then the structure is simple, but it becomes clogged by wet or sticky cuttings requiring manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The cyclone separator is transformed from a stationary structure to a rotating one. The inner body rotates at a controlled speed to generate centrifugal forces that prevent cuttings from adhering to the walls, thereby preventing clogging. This dynamic mechanism continuously updates the surface condition to maintain reliable operation without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating cyclone body cleans itself by continuously rotating to prevent buildup. The system uses its own operational motion (rotation) to achieve the cleaning function, eliminating the need for external cleaning mechanisms or manual service. The centrifugal force generated during rotation naturally prevents cuttings from sticking to the interior surfaces.
2Extent of automation
If manual cleaning is performed, then the cyclone can be maintained, but equipment downtime occurs and autonomous operation is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The cyclone separator performs its own cleaning through continuous rotation during operation. The system is self-maintaining, requiring no external intervention or downtime for cleaning. This enables fully autonomous operation where the equipment monitors and maintains itself without human involvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The cyclone separator operates continuously without interruption for cleaning maintenance. The rotation mechanism ensures continuous prevention of clogging throughout operation, eliminating downtime and maintaining uninterrupted sampling activity. The useful action of separation continues without pause.
3Manufacturing precision
If cuttings accumulate on the cyclone walls, then the separation efficiency decreases, but cleaning mechanisms add complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating inner body dynamically prevents cuttings accumulation through continuous motion. The rotation generates changing centrifugal forces that prevent particles from adhering to walls, maintaining consistent separation efficiency. This dynamic prevention mechanism is simpler than mechanical cleaning systems while ensuring sample representativeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The cyclone body rotates at controlled intervals to periodically update the surface condition. This periodic rotation prevents cumulative buildup and maintains separation efficiency over time. The rhythmic rotational action continuously prevents particle adhesion without requiring complex cleaning mechanisms.
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 self-cleaning cyclone effectively prevents clogging, maintains sample integrity, and allows autonomous operation by continuously cleaning the inner and outer surfaces, reducing manual intervention and ensuring representative samples.
Implementation Method 1
As the gaseous stream circulates through the cyclone separator the cuttings fall to the bottom of the cyclone separator while the gaseous stream escapes from the top of the cyclone separator
Implementation Method 2
The remaining gas stream reverses direction and spirals up the center of the cyclone and out the top of the cyclone separator through a vortex finder
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a sampling apparatus (13) for use in extracting a sample from cuttings which are delivered to the sample apparatus (13) entrained in a gaseous stream. The apparatus (13) comprises a separation means to separate the cuttings from the gaseous stream and a sampling assembly (17) adapted to receive the cuttings from the separation means to allow samples to be taken therefrom. The separation means comprises a cyclone (11) to which the cuttings entrained in a gaseous stream is delivered. The cyclone (11) has an outlet (47) through which the cuttings pass from the cyclone, and a vent (27) through which the gaseous stream passes. The cyclone comprising an inner rotating body (33) wherein the body (33) is cleaned as it rotates.