E21B21/06

Automated remote line maintenance and sample conditioning system
11536102 · 2022-12-27 · ·

In an embodiment, a sample conditioning system includes a first valve subsystem, a controller, and a signal generator. The first valve subsystem includes a first electrically activated valve and a first timed switch in electrical communication with the first electrically activated valve, where the first timed switch is configured with a first time duration. The controller is configured to receive drilling data from a data source and, responsive to the drilling data satisfying a trigger associated with a timed sequence, cause the signal generator to apply a signal to at least the first timed switch. The signal causes the first timed switch to close for at least the first time duration and power the first electrically activated valve, the powered first electrically activated valve switching to allow air from a first air line to pass therethrough to a sample line.

PROCESS HEATER ANTI-SETTLING SYSTEMS AND METHODS

The disclosure provides for systems and methods for removing particle settlement in a heater system. The method includes introducing a fluid into a first heater of the heater system, wherein the first heater is operable to increase the temperature of the introduced fluid. The method further includes actuating a first air agitation unit to discharge a volume of compressed air into the first heater, wherein the compressed air is configured to provide mixing and suspension to particles settled within the first heater through the velocity and expansion of the compressed air to atmospheric pressure. The method further includes discharging a mixture from the first heater comprising the fluid and the particles from the first heater and directing the discharged mixture to a return point in a flow path.

Well fluid management systems and methods

A well production particulate measurement system having a stationary frame removably mountable to tank, a hopper coupled to the frame and moveable relative to the frame; a well production inlet configured to receive well production and discharge the particulates and liquid into the hopper, and to strip at least a portion of a gas phase from the well production; and a weight transducer coupled to the system and configured to sense a weight of particulates in the hopper.

AUTOMATED KICK AND LOSS DETECTION
20220397008 · 2022-12-15 ·

A method for monitoring and controlling a mud flow system in a drilling rig includes measuring an active mud volume in an active mud pit and an inactive mud volume in an inactive mud pit, modeling a modeled active mud volume in the active mud pit, determining a mud volume balance by calculating a difference between the measurement of the active mud volume and the modeled active mud volume, detecting a transfer of mud from the inactive mud pit to the active mud pit based on a combination of a change in the measurement of the inactive mud volume in the inactive mud pit and a change in the mud volume balance, and detecting downhole gains and losses automatically based on the mud volume balance.

AUTOMATED KICK AND LOSS DETECTION
20220397008 · 2022-12-15 ·

A method for monitoring and controlling a mud flow system in a drilling rig includes measuring an active mud volume in an active mud pit and an inactive mud volume in an inactive mud pit, modeling a modeled active mud volume in the active mud pit, determining a mud volume balance by calculating a difference between the measurement of the active mud volume and the modeled active mud volume, detecting a transfer of mud from the inactive mud pit to the active mud pit based on a combination of a change in the measurement of the inactive mud volume in the inactive mud pit and a change in the mud volume balance, and detecting downhole gains and losses automatically based on the mud volume balance.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ESTIMATING PORE PRESSURE AT SOURCE ROCKS
20220397034 · 2022-12-15 · ·

Systems and methods to estimate a pore pressure of source rock include a pore pressure estimation processor, an executable, or both, and are operable to (i) calculate an estimate pore pressure based on overburden gradient data, a compaction velocity profile, hydrocarbon maturity, and an unloading velocity profile, (ii) determine a total organic content (TOC) estimate of the source rock based on a bulk density at a vertical depth measured using the density logging tool, (iii) determine a correction factor based on (a) the TOC estimate and (b) vitrinite ratio R.sub.o data, and (iv) update the estimated pore pressure in real-time based on the correction factor.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REMOVING DRILLING FLUID FROM DRILL CUTTINGS USING DIRECT HEAT
20220389777 · 2022-12-08 ·

Methods and systems for removing drilling fluid from wet drill cuttings are described. According to some embodiments, the method comprises: at a pressure above atmospheric pressure: using an internal combustion engine, combusting an air-fuel mixture comprising air and a hydrocarbon-based fuel, thereby producing a combustion exhaust at a first temperature; providing the combustion exhaust to the wet drill cuttings to contact and directly heat the wet drill cuttings by convection so that at least some fluid is evaporated therefrom and at least some dry solid drill cuttings remain, the evaporated fluid comprising drilling fluid and water; condensing at least a portion of the evaporated fluid to produce condensed drilling fluid, water and non-condensable inert gas; and separately recovering the condensed drilling fluid, the water and the dry solid drill cuttings.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REMOVING DRILLING FLUID FROM DRILL CUTTINGS USING DIRECT HEAT
20220389778 · 2022-12-08 ·

Systems and methods for removing drilling fluid from wet drill cuttings are described. According to some embodiments, the method comprises, at a pressure above atmospheric pressure: combusting a rich air-fuel mixture at a rich combustion temperature, thereby producing a generally low oxygen, inert rich exhaust; providing said rich exhaust to the wet drill cuttings to contact and directly heat the wet drill cuttings by convection so that at least a portion of the drilling fluid is evaporated therefrom and at least some dry solid drill cuttings remain; condensing at least a portion of the evaporated drilling fluid to produce condensed drilling fluid; and separately recovering the condensed drilling fluid and the dry solid drill cuttings.

Degaussing ferrous material within drilling fluids

During a drilling operation, drilling mud is degaussed to remove magnetic interference that may disrupt measurements.

Degaussing ferrous material within drilling fluids

During a drilling operation, drilling mud is degaussed to remove magnetic interference that may disrupt measurements.