U.S. patent application number 16/623383 was filed with the patent office on 2020-06-11 for automated analysis of drilling fluid.
The applicant listed for this patent is M-I L.L.C. Schlumberger Norge AS. Invention is credited to Zakhar Chizhov, Jerry Thomas Connaughton, Truls Fossdal, Neil McPherson, Ragnar Melz, Rahul Sheladia, Colin Stewart.
Application Number | 20200182852 16/623383 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 64951218 |
Filed Date | 2020-06-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200182852 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stewart; Colin ; et
al. |
June 11, 2020 |
Automated Analysis of Drilling Fluid
Abstract
A system includes a fluid conduit, a fluid chamber in
communication with the fluid conduit, a rheology sensor in
communication with the fluid chamber, and an electric temperature
controller in communication with the fluid chamber. The fluid
chamber is cooled in response to a first control signal from the
electric temperature controller.
Inventors: |
Stewart; Colin; (Houston,
TX) ; Fossdal; Truls; (NO) ; Melz; Ragnar;
(Sandnes, NO) ; Connaughton; Jerry Thomas;
(Houston, TX) ; Chizhov; Zakhar; (Katy, TX)
; McPherson; Neil; (Houston, TX) ; Sheladia;
Rahul; (Houston, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
M-I L.L.C.
Schlumberger Norge AS |
Houston
Stavanger |
TX |
US
NO |
|
|
Family ID: |
64951218 |
Appl. No.: |
16/623383 |
Filed: |
July 3, 2018 |
PCT Filed: |
July 3, 2018 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2018/040769 |
371 Date: |
December 16, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62529454 |
Jul 6, 2017 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01N 9/36 20130101; G01N
2011/0093 20130101; G01N 33/2823 20130101; G01N 11/14 20130101;
G01N 11/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G01N 33/28 20060101
G01N033/28; G01N 9/36 20060101 G01N009/36; G01N 11/14 20060101
G01N011/14 |
Claims
1. A system, comprising: a fluid conduit; a fluid chamber in
communication with the fluid conduit; a rheology sensor in
communication with the fluid chamber; an electric temperature
controller in communication with the fluid chamber; wherein the
fluid chamber is cooled in response to a first control signal from
the electric temperature controller.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the fluid chamber is heated in
response to a second control signal from the electric temperature
controller.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the second control signal has an
opposite polarity than the first control signal.
4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a density sensor in
communication with the fluid conduit.
5. The system of claim 4, further comprising: an inlet of the fluid
conduit; and an outlet of the fluid conduit in communication with
the fluid chamber; wherein the density sensor is positioned between
the inlet and the outlet.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the electric temperature
controller includes a thermoelectric material that produces a
heated region and a cooling region simultaneously.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the electric temperature
controller includes a pulse width modulator to control a signal
strength sent through the thermoelectric material.
8. The system of claim 6, wherein the electric temperature
controller includes a heat sink in communication with the
thermoelectric material.
9. The system of claim 6, further comprising: a polarity switch in
communication with the thermoelectric material; wherein when the
polarity switch directs electricity in a first direction through
the thermoelectric material, the heated region is produced on a
first side of the thermoelectric material and the cooling region is
produced on a second side of the thermoelectric material; wherein
when the polarity switch directs electricity in a second direction,
opposite to the first direction, through the thermoelectric
material, the heated region is produced on the second side of the
thermoelectric material and the cooling region is produced on the
first side of the thermoelectric material.
10. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a processor; memory
in communication with the processor, wherein the processor includes
programmed instructions to: receive input to test a fluid sample in
the fluid chamber with the rheology sensor at two or more different
temperatures; with the electric temperature controller, bring a
temperature of the fluid sample to a first temperature of the two
or more different temperatures; test the fluid sample with the
rheology sensor at the first temperature; automatically, with the
electric temperature controller, bring the temperature of the fluid
sample to a second of the two or more different temperatures; and
test the fluid sample with the rheology sensor at the first
temperature.
11. The system of claim 1, further including at least one level
detection sensor incorporated into the fluid chamber.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the at least one level
detection sensor is a thermal dispersion sensor.
13. The system of claim 1, further including an insulation layer
covering an outside surface of the fluid chamber.
14. A method, comprising: receiving instructions to test a drilling
fluid sample at two or more temperatures; bringing a temperature of
the drilling fluid sample to a first temperature of the two or more
temperatures with an electric temperature controller; testing the
drilling fluid sample at the first temperature with a fluid
property sensor; automatically bringing the temperature of the
drilling fluid sample to a second temperature after a conclusion of
a test at the first temperature with the electric temperature
controller; and testing the drilling fluid sample at the second
temperature.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein bringing the temperature of the
drilling fluid sample to the first temperature or the second
temperature includes applying a control signal to a thermoelectric
material in thermal contact with the drilling fluid sample.
16. The method of claim 14, further including: supplying the
drilling fluid sample into a fluid chamber; and detecting a
drilling fluid level within the fluid chamber with a thermal
dispersion sensor incorporated into the fluid chamber.
17. An apparatus, comprising: a fluid chamber, the fluid chamber
including: a chamber wall; and an opening defined by the chamber
wall; a rheology sensor in communication with the fluid chamber,
the rheology sensor further including: a rotor protruding into the
opening; the rotor being supported at a depth within the opening to
contact a fluid sample when the fluid chamber is filled with a
fluid to an operating level; at least one thermal dispersion sensor
that detects a level of the fluid sample when the rotor causes the
fluid sample to move within the fluid chamber; an electric
temperature controller in communication with the fluid chamber that
is configured to control a temperature of the fluid sample within
the fluid chamber.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the electric temperature
controller further includes: at thermoelectric material; a first
side of the thermoelectric material being in contact with an
outside surface of the fluid chamber; and a second side of the
thermoelectric material being in contact with a heat sink.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the thermoelectric material
has a characteristic of: producing a heated region adjacent to the
fluid chamber and a producing a cooling region adjacent to the heat
sink in response to a first control signal applied across the
thermoelectric material; and producing the heated region adjacent
to the heat sink and a producing the cooling region adjacent to the
fluid chamber in response to a second control signal applied across
the thermoelectric material when the second control signal has an
opposite polarity to the first control signal.
20. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising: a processor;
memory in communication with the processor, wherein the processor
includes programmed instructions to: receive input to test the
fluid sample in the fluid chamber with the rheology sensor at
multiple temperatures; automatically bring and maintain the
temperature of the fluid sample to each of the multiple
temperatures; and automatically test the fluid sample with the
rheology sensor at each of the multiple temperatures.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Drilling fluids are pumped the center of a down drill string
when drilling a wellbore. The drilling fluid exits the drill string
at the bit through nozzles and travels back up the annulus of the
wellbore to the drilling equipment located at the surface. The
fluids provide lubrication and cooling of the drilling. The fluid
also carries cuttings out of the wellbore, controls wellbore
pressure, and performs a number of other functions in connection
with drilling the wellbore. To ensure that the properties of the
drilling fluids are adequate, an engineer consistently checks the
properties of the drilling fluid. For example, the viscosity of the
drilling fluid must be high enough to carry the cuttings out of the
wellbore while at the same time be low enough to allow the cuttings
and entrained gas to escape the drilling fluids at the surface.
Depending on the operation, the engineer may check the properties
of the drilling fluid several times in a 24 hour period.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0002] The accompanying drawings illustrate a number of exemplary
embodiments and are a part of the specification. Together with the
following description, these drawings demonstrate and explain
various principles of the instant disclosure.
[0003] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an example of fluid
testing apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0004] FIG. 2 depicts a schematic of an example of internal
components of a fluid testing apparatus in accordance with the
present disclosure.
[0005] FIG. 3 depicts a detailed view of a fluid chamber of the
fluid testing apparatus in accordance with the present
disclosure.
[0006] FIG. 4 depicts an example of a user interface of the fluid
testing apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0007] FIG. 5 depicts a diagram of a system for adjusting a
temperature of fluid samples in accordance with the present
disclosure.
[0008] FIG. 6 depicts an example of a method for automated testing
of the fluid samples at different temperatures in accordance with
the present disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 7 depicts an example of components of a fluid testing
apparatus with a side loop for controlling a temperature of fluid
for density measurements in accordance with the present
disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 8 depicts an example of components of a fluid testing
apparatus without a density sensor in accordance with the present
disclosure.
[0011] While the embodiments described herein are susceptible to
various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments
have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be
described in detail herein. However, the exemplary embodiments
described herein are not intended to be limited to the particular
forms disclosed. Rather, the instant disclosure covers all
modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the
scope of the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] Drilling fluid is circulated down the drill string, out the
nozzles in the drill bit, and up the annulus of the wellbore. The
drilling fluid can be used to remove cuttings from the bottom of
the wellbore. The physical properties of the drilling mud are
monitored during a drilling operation to determine whether the
drilling mud is working adequately and to make any desired changes
as drilling progresses.
[0013] The drilling fluid tests may measure physical
characteristics of the drilling fluid, such as testing the fluid's
rheology. Rheology tests may be performed with a rheology meter,
such as a viscometer, a rheometer, or another type of sensor. These
tests may be performed onsite at the wellbore, in a lab, or at
another location. The fluid testing apparatus 100 depicted in FIG.
1 may complete a series of tests on the drilling fluid sequentially
without further instructions from the user between tests. Other
types of fluid property tests that may be performed with the fluid
testing apparatus 100 include taking measurements of the mud
weight, rheology, density, water-oil content, emulsion electrical
stability, fluid conductivity, and particle size distribution.
Based on the principles described in the present disclosure, a
fluid testing apparatus 100 may perform at least one or more of the
fluid property tests automatically at different temperatures.
[0014] The fluid testing apparatus 100 may include a housing 102, a
user interface 104, and a bottle receiver 106. A drilling fluid
sample may be collected from the circulating drilling mud or from
another location into a bottle 108. The bottle 108 may be connect
to the bottle receiver 106. A fluid conduit may be suspended from
the bottle receiver 106 and be submerged into the drilling fluid
sample as the bottle 108 is connected to the bottle receiver 106. A
pump may actively convey at least a portion of the drilling fluid
sample out of the bottle 108 into the fluid testing apparatus 100
where the tests may be performed.
[0015] The bottle 108 may be secured to the bottle receiver 106
through any appropriate type of interface. In some examples, the
bottle receiver 106 has an internal thread that can be engaged with
an external thread of the bottle 108. In other examples, the bottle
108 is snapped into place, held in place through compression,
otherwise interlocked with the bottle receiver 106, or otherwise
connected to the bottle receiver 106 though another type of
attachment.
[0016] The user interface 104 may allow the user to instruct the
fluid testing apparatus 100 to perform the tests. In some examples,
the fluid testing apparatus 100 presents options for testing the
drilling fluid sample through the user interface 104. In some
cases, the user may indicate the types of tests to be performed as
well as parameters for performing those types of tests. For
example, the user may instruct the fluid testing apparatus 100 to
perform a viscosity test at multiple temperatures through the user
interface 104. The user may also specify the desired temperatures
for those tests through the user interface 104.
[0017] Any type of user interface 104 may be used in accordance
with the principles described in the present disclosure. In some
cases, the user interface 104 is a touch screen accessible from the
housing 102 of the fluid testing apparatus 100. In this type of
example, the user may touch the touch screen to input information
and provide instructions to the fluid testing apparatus 100. In
other examples, the fluid testing apparatus 100 may include a
wireless receiver where the user can provide information and/or
send instructions wirelessly to the fluid testing apparatus 100.
For example, the user may send the information and/or provide the
instructions with a mobile device, an electric tablet, a laptop, a
networked device, a desktop, a computing device, another type of
device, or combinations thereof. In examples where the user can
communicate with the fluid testing apparatus 100 wirelessly, the
user may be located onsite or the user may be located at a remote
location. In some cases, a mud engineer may be located at a remote
location offsite and a local technician may fill the bottle 108 for
the mud engineer so that the mud engineer does not have be onsite
to evaluate the drilling mud and make recommendations. In yet
another example, the user interface 104 may include a keyboard, a
mouse, a button, a dial, a switch, a slider, another type of
physical input mechanism, or combinations thereof to assist the
user to input information or provide instructions to the fluid
testing apparatus 100. In some cases, the fluid testing apparatus
100 may include a microphone or a camera that allows the user to
speak information to the fluid testing apparatus 100 and/or
communicate with motion/hand gestures with the fluid testing
apparatus 100.
[0018] After inputting the information and instructing the fluid
testing apparatus 100 to initiate the tests, the fluid testing
apparatus 100 may complete the tests without further involvement
from the user. The fluid testing apparatus 100 may automatically
transition from one type of test to another as tests are completed.
Further, the fluid testing apparatus 100 may automatically adjust
the temperature of the drilling fluid sample between tests without
involvement from the user. Often, the drilling mud is tested after
circulating through the drill string in a hot, downhole
environment. In those circumstances where the drilling mud is
desired to be tested at a temperature lower than the current
temperature of the drilling mud, the drilling mud has to be cooled
off before the test can be performed. The fluid testing apparatus
100 may lower the drilling fluid sample's temperature and free the
user to perform other tasks.
[0019] FIGS. 2 and 3 depict a schematic of an example of internal
components of a fluid testing apparatus 100 in accordance with the
present disclosure. FIG. 3 details a portion of the internal
components depicted in FIG. 2. In this example, the fluid testing
apparatus 100 includes a bottle receiver 106, a pump 200, a fluid
conduit 204, a density sensor 216 connected to the fluid conduit
204, a fluid chamber 218, and a rheology sensor 220 connected to
the fluid chamber 218.
[0020] The bottle receiver 106 may be any appropriate attachment to
the exterior of the fluid testing apparatus 100 to which the bottle
108 may be connected and which includes a mechanism for removing
the drilling fluid sample 230 from the bottle 108. In the depicted
example, a portion of the fluid conduit 204 is suspended from the
bottle receiver 106 at a distance so that the inlet 206 is
submerged within the drilling fluid sample 230 when the bottle 108
is attached. A filter 202 is connected to the drilling fluid
conduit 204 and surrounds the inlet 206 so that solid particles
and/or unwanted debris is prevented from entering the fluid conduit
204.
[0021] A first portion 210 of the fluid conduit 204 connects the
inlet 206 to a pump 200. The pump 200 may be used to pull at least
a portion of the drilling fluid sample 230 from the bottle 108 into
fluid conduit 204. In some examples, the pump 200 is a peristaltic
pump. But, any appropriate type of pump may be used in accordance
with the principles described in the present disclosure.
[0022] A second portion 212 of the fluid conduit 204 may connect
the fluid conduit 204 to the pump 200 and a density sensor. In some
cases, the pump 200 is at a higher elevation than the density
sensor 216. In this type of example, the pump 200 may release the
drilling fluid sample 230 and allow gravity to push the drilling
fluid sample 230 to the density sensor 216. In other examples, the
pump 200 may actively push the drilling fluid sample 230 through
the density sensor 216.
[0023] Any appropriate type of density sensor 216 may be used. In
one example, the density sensor 216 may be a coriolis density meter
that measures a characteristic of the drilling fluid sample 230 as
the fluid passes through it. Coriolis density meters may measure
the movement/vibrations of internal components of the density
meter. These movements may be measured as the drilling fluid sample
230 passes through the density sensor 216. This frequency
correlates to the drilling fluid sample's density.
[0024] A third portion 214 of the fluid conduit 204 connects the
fluid conduit 204 from the density sensor 216 to a fluid chamber
218. The fluid chamber 218 may include a chamber wall 236 that
defines an opening 242. An outlet 208 of the fluid chamber 218 may
terminate in the opening 242 of the fluid chamber 218 and direct
the drilling fluid sample 230 into the fluid chamber 218.
[0025] A level detection sensor 222 may send a signal to the pump
200 to stop pumping in the drilling fluid sample 230 when the fluid
level 232 is at an appropriate height. Any appropriate type of
level detection sensor 222 may be used. A non-exhaustive list of
level detection sensors that may be used include ultrasonic
sensors, fluid conductivity sensors, capacitance sensors, induction
sensors, microwave sensors, laser sensors, float switches, thermal
flow switches, hydrostatic pressure sensors, radar based sensors,
magnetostrictive sensors, optical sensors, load cell sensors, other
types of sensors, time of flight sensors, other types of sensors,
or combinations thereof.
[0026] While each of the above level detection sensors may be used
in some applications, many some of the above mentioned level
detection sensors may not be as effective as other types of sensors
for certain types of drilling fluids. In some examples, a thermal
dispersion level detection sensor is incorporated into the fluid
chamber 218 and may be effective for a wide variety of different
types of drilling fluids. The thermal dispersion level detection
sensor can be effective for determining the level of fluids
regardless of the fluid's di-electric strength, tendency to create
optical disturbances, and other characteristics of drilling fluids
that make level detection challenging.
[0027] Thermal dispersion technology is generally used to measure
characteristics of a fluid's flow rate. Generally, fluids are
cooler when flowing than when in a static condition.
Conventionally, thermal dispersion technology analyzes the
temperature of a fluid to determine the flow rate or another
characteristic of the fluid. In examples where thermal dispersion
technology is used in the fluid testing apparatus 100, thermal
dispersion technology can be repurposed to determine a fluid level
232.
[0028] Level detection with thermal dispersion technology may be
accomplished by actively moving the drilling fluid sample 230 as it
enters into the fluid chamber 218 and measuring temperature
differences at various heights along the fluid chamber 218. In some
examples, a rotor 248 may cause the drilling fluid sample 230 to
rotate within the fluid chamber 218 as it fills. The rotation of
the drilling fluid sample 230 caused by the rotor 248 may create a
cooling effect on the portions of the chamber wall 236 in direct
contact with the fluid. A fluid level 232 may be determined by
comparing the temperature differences along the fluid chamber's
wall and identifying the fluid level 232 at the height were the
temperature difference occurs.
[0029] In the example of FIGS. 2 and 3, the level detection sensor
222 includes a first level detector 224, a second level detector
226, and a third level detector 228. In some cases, each of the
first level detector 224, second level detector 226, and third
level detector 228 are thermal dispersion level detectors. In other
examples, at least one of these detectors is a different type of
sensor. For those level detectors that are thermal level detectors,
each may include two or more level thermometers that detect the
temperature of the chamber wall 236, the temperature adjacent to
the exterior of the chamber wall 236, the temperature adjacent to
the interior of the chamber wall 236, or combinations thereof. Each
of the level thermometers of the level detector may be at adjacent
each other, but at different heights. When the lower of the two
thermometers is a different temperature than the higher
thermometer, the level detector may send signal to stop the pump
200. This temperature difference may indicate that the fluid level
232 is between the lower and higher thermometers.
[0030] The second level detector 226 may be used as a back-up if
the first level detector 224 fails to operate properly. In this
situation, the second level detector 226 may cause a signal to be
sent to stop the pump 200.
[0031] The third level detector 228 may be used to indicate the
fluid level 232 is too high. In some examples, a rheology sensor
220 or other components of the fluid testing apparatus 100 are
incorporated into the fluid chamber 218 above the operating fluid
level 234. If the fluid level 232 gets too high, the drilling fluid
sample 230 may get into these components and interfere with their
operation. In one such example, a rotary bearing of a viscometer
may be above the operating fluid level 234 in the fluid chamber 218
and if the fluid level 232 exceeds the fluid operating level, the
drilling fluid sample 230 may get into the rotary bearings. In some
cases, the viscometer's rotary bearings are finely tuned to obtain
precise measurement readings. Drilling fluid in these finely tuned
bearings may cause the viscometer's measurement outputs to be
inaccurate. When activated, the third level detector 228 may cause
a message to be communicated to the user that the equipment needs
to be checked before proceeding with the tests. In some examples,
the third level detector 228 may also send a signal to the stop the
pump 200.
[0032] In the example of FIGS. 2 and 3, the rheology sensor 220 is
a viscometer. The rheology sensor 220 may include a rotor 248 that
is suspended into the opening 242 of the fluid chamber 218 to make
contact and/or be submerged into the drilling fluid sample 230 when
the fluid chamber 218 is filled. In some examples, the rotor 248 is
an outer cylinder that rotates about a bob (not shown), which in an
inner cylinder. The drilling fluid sample 230 is filled within the
annulus between the rotor 248 and the bob. When activated, the
rotor 248 rotates at known velocities and creates shear stress on
the bob through the drilling fluid sample 230. A torsion spring
restrains the movement of the bob and measures the shear stress.
The viscometer may run the tests at any appropriate rotor speed
(rotations per minute or RPM). In some cases, the tests are taken
at 600, 300, 200, 100, 6 and 3 RPM.
[0033] An electric temperature controller may be in communication
with the fluid chamber 218. Any appropriate type of electric
temperature controller may be used in accordance with the
principles described in the present disclosure. In some examples,
the electric temperature controller includes a thermoelectric
material 256 (e.g. Peltier device) that has the characteristic of
generating an electric current in response to a temperature
differential. The thermoelectric material 256 may include a first
side 258 in contact with the outside surface 238 of the fluid
chamber 218. In some cases, the thermoelectric material 256
includes a second side 260 that is opposite the first side 258 and
is in contact with a heat sink 268.
[0034] The thermoelectric material 256 may be part of an electric
circuit that can pass an electric current through the
thermoelectric material 256 to produce both a heated region 262 and
a cooling region 264 within the thermoelectric material 256
simultaneously. A polarity switch may be incorporated into the
circuit to change the direction that the electric current passes
through the thermoelectric material 256. When the electric current
passes through the thermoelectric material 256 in a first
direction, the heated region 262 is produced adjacent to the fluid
chamber 218 and the cooling region 264 is produced adjacent to the
heat sink 268. When the heated region 262 is actively produced
adjacent to the fluid chamber 218, the electric temperature
controller actively heats the fluid chamber 218. In some cases,
when the heated region 262 is produced adjacent to the fluid
chamber 218, the fluid chamber's temperature is raised to a higher
temperature or the fluid chamber's temperature may be maintained to
be at a desired temperature for executing a test on the drilling
fluid sample 230. In situations where the electric current passes
through the thermoelectric material 256 in a second direction that
is opposite of the first direction, the heated region 262 is
produced adjacent to the fluid chamber 218 and the heated region
262 is produced adjacent to the heat sink 268. In those situations
where the cooling region 264 is actively produced adjacent to the
fluid chamber 218, the drilling fluid sample's temperature is
lowered to a cooler temperature or the drilling fluid sample's
temperature may be maintained to be at a desired temperature for
executing a test on the drilling fluid sample 230.
[0035] The temperature of the heated region 262 and the cooling
region 264 may be controlled with a pulse width modulator. The
pulse width modulator may switch the electric circuit on and off at
a frequency rate that produces an average current flow. The longer
the pulse width modulator causes electric current to flow through
the thermoelectric material 256 compared to the periods where the
flow of electric current is stopped, the higher the total power
supplied to the thermoelectric material 256 resulting in a higher
temperature being produced in the heated region 262 and a lower
temperature in the cooling region 264. The difference in
temperatures between the heated region 262 and the cooling region
264 may be lowered by increasing the periods of time that the
electric current is stopped from flowing through the thermoelectric
material 256. The pulse width modulator may cause the
thermoelectric material 256 to adjustably heat or cool the fluid
chamber 218 to each of the desired temperatures for each of the
tests that are to be performed with the fluid chamber 218.
[0036] The fluid chamber 218 may be made of a thermally conductive
material that spreads the temperature produced by first side 258 of
the thermoelectric material 256. In this embodiments, the fluid
chamber 218 is made of aluminum, but the fluid chamber 218 may be
made of other types of thermally conductive materials. A
non-exhaustive list of thermally conductive materials that may be
used to make the fluid chamber 218 include aluminum, copper, gold,
magnesium, beryllium, tungsten, other metals, mixtures thereof,
alloys thereof, or combinations thereof. In some cases, the fluid
chamber 218 is entirely made of a material that has a substantially
consistent thermal conductivity. In other examples, the inside
surface of the chamber wall 236 is lined with a material with a
different thermal conductivity than other materials that makes up a
different portion of the fluid chamber 218.
[0037] The contact surface 240 of the outside surface 238 of the
fluid chamber 218 that is adjacent to the thermoelectric material
256 may include a smooth surface roughness that is in thermal
contact with the thermoelectric material 256. In some examples, the
contact surface 240 includes a polished surface. Further, in some
embodiments, the contact surface 240 includes a smoother finish
that other portions of the outside surface 238 of the fluid chamber
218. The smooth finish of the contact surface 240 may reduce gaps
between the thermoelectric material 256 and the outside surface 238
of the fluid chamber 218. In some examples, a thermally conductive
paste may be used to fill the gaps between the contact surface 240
and the thermoelectric material 256. Even in examples where the
contact surface 240 has a smooth finish, the contact surface 240
may still have small gaps that can minimize the thermal transfer
between the thermoelectric material 256 and the fluid chamber 218
and the thermally conductive paste may be used in these examples to
increase the thermal transfer.
[0038] The outside surface 238 of the fluid chamber 218 may be at
least partially surrounded with an insulation layer 244. The
insulation layer 244 may minimize ambient conditions that would
otherwise heat or cool the fluid chamber 218. For example, the
insulation layer 244 may prevent an ambient temperature outside of
the fluid chamber 218 from heating or cooling the fluid chamber 218
away from the desired temperature for executing a rheology test. In
some cases, the insulation layer 244 may prevent the formation of
condensation on the outside of the fluid chamber 218, which can
cause unwanted cooling of the fluid chamber 218 when bringing the
drilling fluid sample 230 to a higher temperature or trying to
maintain the drilling fluid sample 230 at a higher temperature.
[0039] The fluid chamber 218 may include at least one fluid
thermometer 250 that measures the temperature of the drilling fluid
sample 230. The fluid chamber 218 may also include at least one
equipment thermometer 252 that may measure the temperature of at
least one piece of equipment associated with the drilling fluid
sample 230. For example, the equipment thermometer 252 may measure
the temperature of the material forming the fluid chamber 218.
Temperature measurements of the fluid chamber's material may
prevent overheating of the fluid chamber 218.
[0040] The heat sink 268 may be made of a thermally conductive
material and include fins 270 that increase the surface area of the
heat sink 268. The fins 270 can be used to exchange temperature
with a fluid medium, such as air or a liquid. In examples where the
heated region 262 is produced on the second side 260, the heat
generated by the heated region 262 can spread throughout the heat
sink 268 and be transferred through the fins 270 into the fluid
medium. In some cases, a fan 272 is positioned adjacent to the heat
sink 268 to cause air to flow through the fins 270 to increase the
rate at which the heat is dissipated into the air. In other
examples, a water or another type of liquid may be passed over the
fins 270 as the fluid medium. In this example, the liquid medium
does not make contact with the fluid chamber 218, but instead makes
contact with the fins 270 of the heat sink 268.
[0041] FIG. 4 depicts an example of a user interface 104 of the
fluid testing apparatus 100 in accordance with the present
disclosure. In this example, the user interface 104 presents a
format for the user to instruct the fluid testing apparatus 100
about performing the tests. In this example, the format includes
sample origin options 400 to select the origin of drilling fluid
sample 230, temperature set point options 402 for each of the
tests, and duration options 404 for each of the tests.
Additionally, the user interface 104 presents controls for sending
instructions to the fluid testing apparatus 100.
[0042] In this example, the user is provided with five temperature
set point for performing tests. While the illustrated example
depicts five different temperatures for conducting the tests, any
appropriate temperature values may be presented to the user as well
as any appropriate number of temperature set point options may be
presented.
[0043] In the depicted example, the test durations are depicted as
a ten second option or a ten minute option. But, any appropriate
test duration may be presented in accordance with the principles
disclosed herein. Further, any appropriate number of test duration
options 404 may be presented through the user interface 104.
[0044] While the example of FIG. 4 depicts the format presenting a
limited number of options that the user can select, in other
examples the format presents open fields where the user may specify
the values for temperature, test durations, or other testing
parameters. Also, some examples may provide the user an ability to
add any number of tests to the executed by the fluid testing
apparatus 100.
[0045] The controls provided in the depicted example include a
start command 406, a stop command 408, a repeat command 410, and a
reset command 412. The start command 406 may be selected by the
user when he or she desires to start the tests. In some examples,
in response to sending the start command 406, the fluid testing
apparatus 100 executes each of the tests in a sequence without
having to have additional involvement from the user. In some
examples, the testing sequence includes performing the first test
at the lowest selected temperature set point and performing the
second test at the second lowest selected temperature set point and
so forth until final test is performed at the highest selected
temperature set point.
[0046] FIG. 5 depicts a diagram of a system 500 for testing
drilling fluid samples. The system 500 includes a processor 515, an
I/O controller 520, memory 525, a user interface 526, a polarity
switch 530, a rheology sensor 535, and an electric temperature
controller 540. These components may communicate wirelessly,
through hard wired connections, or combinations thereof. The memory
525 of the system may include a test temperature determiner 545, a
temperature adjuster 550, a temperature verifier 555, a test
initiator 560, and a test conclusion determiner 565. The
temperature adjuster 550 includes a pulse width modulator 570, and
a polarity changer 575.
[0047] The processor 515 may include an intelligent hardware
device, (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a digital signal
processor (DSP), a central processing unit (CPU), a
microcontroller, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC),
a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic
device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete
hardware component, or any combination thereof). In some cases, the
processor 515 may be configured to operate a memory array using a
memory controller. In other cases, a memory controller may be
integrated into the processor 515. The processor 515 may be
configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a
memory to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks
supporting the evaluation of prescribed optical devices).
[0048] The I/O controller 520 may represent or interact with a
modem, a keyboard, a mouse, a touchscreen, or a similar device. In
some cases, the I/O controller 520 may be implemented as part of
the processor. In some cases, a user may interact with the system
via the I/O controller 520 or via hardware components controlled by
the I/O controller 520. The I/O controller 520 may be in
communication with any appropriate input and any appropriate
output.
[0049] The memory 525 may include random access memory (RAM) and
read only memory (ROM). The memory 525 may store computer-readable,
computer-executable software including instructions that, when
executed, cause the processor to perform various functions
described herein. In some cases, the memory 525 may contain, among
other things, a basic input/output system (BIOS) which may control
basic hardware and/or software operation such as the interaction
with peripheral components or devices.
[0050] The test temperature determiner 545 represents programmed
instructions that cause the processor 515 to determine the
temperature at which a test is to be performed. In some examples,
the test temperature is determined by accessing information the
user inputted into the user interface.
[0051] The temperature adjuster 550 represents programmed
instructions that cause the processor 515 to adjust the temperature
of the drilling fluid sample. Part of the process of adjusting the
temperature may include determining the current temperature of the
drilling fluid sample and determining whether the desired
temperature for the next test is higher or lower than the current
temperature of the drilling fluid sample. Based on whether the
temperature of the drilling fluid sample is to be increased or
decreased, the polarity changer 575 may cause the processor 515 to
send an instruction to the polarity switch 530 to direct electric
current through the thermoelectric material in the appropriate
direction. The pulse width modulator 570 may send an instruction to
the electric temperature controller 540 to adjust the strength of
the electric current to run through the thermoelectric material.
When the temperature of the drilling fluid sample is being actively
changed, the pulse width modulator 570 may cause the signal
strength to be greater than when the signal strength is intended to
just maintain the drilling fluid sample at its current temperature
for testing.
[0052] The temperature verifier 555 represents programmed
instructions that cause the processor 515 to determine the current
temperature of the drilling fluid sample. This information can be
consulted by the temperature adjuster 550 to determine when to
change the signal strength from actively changing the temperature
of the drilling fluid sample to maintaining the temperature of the
drilling fluid sample.
[0053] The test initiator 560 represents programmed instructions
that cause the processor 515 to cause the test to be performed with
the rheology sensor 535. The test initiator 560 may also consult
information from the temperature verifier 555 to determine if the
drilling fluid sample is at the appropriate temperature for
executing the test.
[0054] The test conclusion determiner 565 represents programmed
instructions that cause the processor 515 to determine when a test
is completed. In some examples, the test conclusion determiner 565
sends a signal to the temperature adjuster at the conclusion of a
test at a first temperature. In response, the temperature adjuster
550 may start the process for changing the temperature of the
drilling fluid sample for the next test at a different desired
temperature.
[0055] FIG. 6 depicts an example of a method 600 for automated
testing of the fluid samples at different temperatures in
accordance with the present disclosure. In this example, the method
600 includes supplying 605 a drilling fluid sample into a fluid
chamber 605, receiving 610 instructions to test the drilling fluid
sample at two or more temperatures, bringing 615 the temperature of
the drilling fluid sample to a first temperature of the two or more
temperatures through the fluid chamber with an electric temperature
controller, testing 620 the drilling fluid sample at the first
temperature with a rheology sensor incorporated into the fluid
chamber, automatically bringing 625 the temperature of the drilling
fluid sample to a second temperature after a conclusion of a test
at the first temperature with the electric temperature controller,
and testing 630 the drilling fluid sample at the second temperature
with the rheology sensor. At least some of the portions of this
method may be carried out in accordance with the principles
described in the present disclosure.
[0056] FIG. 7 depicts an example of components of a fluid testing
apparatus 100 with a side loop 800 for controlling a temperature of
fluid for density measurements in accordance with the present
disclosure. In the depicted example, a side loop 800 is
incorporated into the fluid testing apparatus 100. A second pump
806 and the density sensor 216 is incorporated into the side loop
800. The second pump 806 may cause a portion of the drilling fluid
sample 230 to enter into the side loop 800 from the fluid chamber
218 when the drilling fluid is at a desired temperature for testing
the density of the drilling fluid sample 230.
[0057] In some examples, the user interface presents the user with
options to test the rheology of the drilling fluid sample 230, to
test the density of the drilling fluid sample 230, or combinations
thereof. The user may instruct the fluid testing apparatus 100 to
test the drilling fluid at the same temperature at which the
rheology sensor 220 tests the drilling fluid sample 230. In other
examples, the density of the drilling fluid sample 230 may be
tested at a temperature that is different from at least one of the
tests conducted with the rheology sensor 220. In some cases, the
electric heating controller brings the drilling fluid sample 230 to
a temperature for tests performed by either the rheology sensor
220, the density sensor 216, another type of sensor incorporated
into the fluid chamber 218, or combinations thereof. In the example
of FIG. 8, the fluid testing apparatus 100 does not include a
density sensor 216 in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0058] While the fluid testing apparatus has been described above
as having a bottle receiver for connection to a bottle containing
the drilling fluid sample, in some examples, no bottle receiver is
incorporated into the fluid testing apparatus. For example, the
user may pour the drilling fluid sample into a tank incorporated
into the fluid testing apparatus. In some examples where the
drilling fluid sample is incorporated into the fluid testing
apparatus, a filter may be incorporated into an outlet of the tank
to filter out sand, debris, other types of solids, or combinations
thereof. In some cases, the user may pour the drilling fluid sample
directly into the fluid chamber connected to the viscometer or
other rheology sensor.
[0059] In one embodiment, a system includes a fluid conduit, a
fluid chamber in communication with the fluid conduit, a rheology
sensor in communication with the fluid chamber, and an electric
temperature controller in communication with the fluid chamber. The
fluid chamber is cooled in response to a first control signal from
the electric temperature controller.
[0060] A method includes receiving instructions to test a drilling
fluid sample at two or more temperatures, bringing a temperature of
the drilling fluid sample to a first temperature of the two or more
temperatures with an electric temperature controller, testing the
drilling fluid sample at the first temperature with a fluid
property sensor, automatically bringing the temperature of the
drilling fluid sample to a second temperature after a conclusion of
a test at the first temperature with the electric temperature
controller, and testing the drilling fluid sample at the second
temperature.
[0061] An apparatus includes a fluid chamber where the fluid
chamber includes a chamber wall and an opening defined by the
chamber wall. The apparatus also includes a rheology sensor in
communication with the fluid chamber. The rheology sensor includes
a rotor protruding into the opening where the rotor is supported at
a depth within the opening to contact a fluid sample when the fluid
chamber is filled with a fluid to an operating level. Further, the
apparatus includes at least one thermal dispersion sensor that
detects a level of the fluid sample when the rotor causes the fluid
sample to move within the fluid chamber and an electric temperature
controller in communication with the fluid chamber that is
configured to control a temperature of the fluid sample within the
fluid chamber.
[0062] The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has
been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the
illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or
to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many
modifications and variations are possible in view of the above
teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to
best explain the principles of the present systems and methods and
their practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in
the art to best utilize the present systems and methods and various
embodiments with various modifications as may be suited to the
particular use contemplated.
[0063] Unless otherwise noted, the terms "a" or "an," as used in
the specification and claims, are to be construed as meaning "at
least one of." In addition, for ease of use, the words "including"
and "having," as used in the specification and claims, are
interchangeable with and have the same meaning as the word
"comprising." In addition, the term "based on" as used in the
specification and the claims is to be construed as meaning "based
at least upon."
* * * * *