Cylindrical Twin Helix Rheometer for Drilling Mud Viscosity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard rotational rheometry techniques are unsuitable for measuring the viscosity of drilling muds containing large cuttings due to centrifugal effects leading to flow sedimentation and instability.
Innovation Solution
A rheometer with a rotor featuring a cylindrical twin helix design, which includes a rotary shaft with screws forming a cylindrical twin helix, allowing for rotational and convective motion that maintains the drilling mud in a homogeneous state, preventing cuttings sedimentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard rotational rheometry techniques are used, then viscosity measurements can be obtained, but centrifugal effects cause flow sedimentation and instability in drilling muds containing large cuttings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dual-cone rotor design where two cones rotate in opposite directions at different speeds, creating a dynamic flow pattern that prevents sedimentation. The differential rotation speeds generate complex fluid motion that maintains cutting suspension while enabling accurate viscosity measurement of drilling muds.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from standard single-cone or plate-plate geometries to a three-dimensional dual-cone configuration. The cones are positioned with their vertices facing each other, creating a unique flow field that eliminates centrifugal sedimentation effects and maintains sample homogeneity throughout the measurement process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If standard plate-plate or coaxial cylinder geometries are used, then measurements can be performed, but the gap size limits the maximum cutting diameter that can be measured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from standard single-cone or plate-plate geometries to a three-dimensional dual-cone configuration. The cones are positioned with their vertices facing each other, creating a unique flow field that eliminates centrifugal sedimentation effects and maintains sample homogeneity throughout the measurement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dual-cone rotor design where two cones rotate in opposite directions at different speeds, creating a dynamic flow pattern that prevents sedimentation. The differential rotation speeds generate complex fluid motion that maintains cutting suspension while enabling accurate viscosity measurement of drilling muds.
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 rheometer effectively measures the viscosity of drilling muds containing cuttings by maintaining homogeneity and preventing sedimentation, providing better precision and a broader range of shear rate exploration compared to standard rheometers.
Implementation Method 1
A rheometer with a rotor featuring a cylindrical twin helix design, which includes a rotary shaft with screws forming a cylindrical twin helix, allowing for rotational and convective motion that maintains the drilling mud in a homogeneous state
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a rheometer comprising a rotor comprising a rotary shaft and at least two screws extending longitudinally along a first portion of said shaft; a motor coupled to said shaft and adapted to rotatably drive said rotor; a stator having a cylindrical shape and adapted to contain a fluid; wherein said at least two screws form a cylindrical twin helix; wherein said cylindrical twin helix has an inside radius of 2 mm to 10 mm and an outside radius of 10 to 20 mm; wherein said stator has a radius which is longer than the outside radius of said cylindrical twin helix.