X-ray Measurement Head for Drilling Fluid Meniscus Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring drilling fluids using X-ray fluorescence struggle with reproducibility due to the need for precise positioning of the X-ray source and detector, which is challenging with fluid samples as they are highly dependent on the exact distance and orientation, and conventional slurries segregate quickly when flow is stopped, making accurate measurements difficult.
Innovation Solution
A measurement head with a movable X-ray source and detector, equipped with a height sensor to accurately align the X-ray head above the fluid meniscus, allowing precise and reproducible measurements by stopping the fluid flow, measuring the meniscus height, and positioning the X-ray head accordingly, eliminating the need for an X-ray permeable membrane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the flow of slurry is stopped to make measurements, then the X-ray source and detector can be positioned precisely, but the solid particles rapidly segregate making measurements impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the fluid from conventional slurry to drilling fluid, which has different rheological properties (highly viscous, thixotropic). This parameter change allows the fluid to maintain its composition when flow is stopped, enabling precise X-ray measurements without particle segregation.
2Reliability
If an X-ray permeable membrane is used to contain the slurry, then measurements can be made through the membrane, but the membrane influences the measured results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the membrane component from the measurement system entirely. By using drilling fluid's natural ability to remain stationary when flow stops, the system eliminates the need for an X-ray permeable membrane, thereby avoiding any membrane-induced measurement interference while maintaining measurement reliability.
3Measurement precision
If the X-ray head is positioned close to the outlet during measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but the head must be moved away during fluid flow requiring complex positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by stopping the fluid flow before positioning the X-ray head for measurement. This sequence allows the fluid to stabilize first, then the X-ray head can be positioned close to the outlet for precise measurements. The movable cover and height sensor facilitate this preliminary stabilization action.
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
Enables accurate and reproducible X-ray measurements of drilling fluids by ensuring precise alignment of the X-ray head above the meniscus, improving measurement reliability and avoiding errors associated with fluid segregation and membrane interference.
Implementation Method 1
a height sensor for measuring the height of fluid at the outlet
Implementation Method 2
A method of measuring drilling fluids using X-ray fluorescence, XRF
Data Source
AI summary
A measurement head for making X-ray measurements on drilling fluid includes an inner pipe (30) having a outlet (32) and an outer pipe (34) around the inner pipe. Drilling fluid is pumped through the outlet refreshing the fluid at the outlet. The pump is then stopped. A height sensor (42) is then used to measuring the height of a meniscus of drilling fluid at the outlet (32). An X-ray head (50) including an X-ray source (52) and an X-ray detector (54) is then moved into a reproducible position above the meniscus of fluid above the outlet. The height sensor (42) may be fixed to a movable cover (40), to the X-ray head (50) or to some other part of the measurement head.