SA08290716B1 - Automated Electrical Stability Meter - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the automatic measurement of a fluid property associated with the use of drilling, involving obtaining a sample of the fluid, and where the sample of the fluid is obtained by directing the fluid through a polar probe assembly comprising a polar probe and placing the fluid in the probe recess between the electrodes of the polar probe. Increasing the voltage used in the electrodes of the polar probe until the limiting current is obtained, recording the breakdown voltage at the limiting current value and using the breakdown voltage in calculating the property of the fluid sample.

Description

oy Automatic measuring device for electrical stability

Automated electrical stability meter Full description Background of the invention The embodiments disclosed here relate to an automatic measuring device for the electrical stability of chemically or synthetically converted emulsion oil-based fluids. The use of oil-based drilling fluids in bit cooling We When drilling oil and/or gas wells, drilling is done to remove rock fragments and control subsurface fluids. Various properties of this fluid can be measured to calculate useful results. for example; The electrical stability of the drilling fluid is the characteristic using the electrical stability test. usually; The electrical stability test for sale to be measured is a manual test performed by a drilling mud engineer or equivalent technician. It is usually done when testing

Slog Electrical stability of probe inserts comprising flat round electrodes 7 cm in diameter with 7.9 cm spacing between surfaces in drilling mud. A drilling mud containing a non-aqueous Ve fluid, water (or other polar fluid), muds, or other materials fills the gap between the poles of the probe and measuring counter; which raises the voltage between the LEY) test. Wires run from the probe to the electrode generator until the fluid components align to form a short-circuit bridge. When a short circuit occurs, the current between the electrodes gives short pulses immediately. Specifically, the current voltage is increased

TN) until the TAGE peak current occurs [ld 150 Hz at an alternating Tie of approximately Ve (Vep). And at this point; The peak voltage known as the breakdown voltage is ely Se

1 a by measuring device. 61 microamps is the current at which the breakdown voltage occurs with respect to the previously mentioned probe geometry. The breakdown voltage is the voltage at which the electrical properties of the drilling fluid become dependent on an electric field and the voltage at which the electrical conductivity of the drilling fluid becomes non-ohmic. And therefore; The breakdown voltage is related to the emulsion stability© and is then used to calculate the emulsion stability and other properties of the drilling fluid.

and to measure the electrical stability usually of the drilling fluid using the hand probe method; the drilling fluid and associated fluid are kept constant; Movement and displacement of the fluids relative to the drilling fluid can skew the measurements taken with the electrodes and recorded with the Gell instrument. In addition; When using the previously mentioned manual probe method; It is manually cleaned

0 The gap between the probe electrodes after each pe in which measurement samples are taken. Accordingly, there is a need for an automatic method to measure the electrical stability of the drilling fluid. In addition, there is a need for improved methods for taking drilling fluid samples for proper measurements and cleaning of the probe electrodes used to measure the breakdown voltage of the drilling fluid. General description of the invention

Ve ang The invention relates in one of its manifestations to a method for the automatic measurement of a fluid property associated with the use of drilling; includes obtaining a sample from the fluid” where the sample of the fluid is obtained by directing the fluid through the polar probe assembly that includes a polar probe and placing the fluid in a probe recess between the electrodes of the polar probe; And increase the voltage applied to the electrodes of the polar probe until it is completed

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0) obtain the limiting current; And record the breakdown voltage at the limiting current value and use the breakdown voltage in calculating the property of the fluid sample. The invention generally relates in one aspect to an automatic electrical stability measuring device for automatically measuring the electrical stability of a fluid sample; includes an electronic control unit configured to transmit a signal © to obtain a sample from the cabal) and the ¢ probe assembly actively connected to the dig ysl control unit and includes a polar probe + where the polar probe has a cavity for the + probe and where the fluid sample is pumped through the probe assembly and filled probe gap and where the voltage is increased to obtain a measurement of the breakdown voltage that occurs at the lal ded limit; Whereas, the breakdown voltage measurement is used to automatically measure a property of a fluid sample. Other aspects and benefits of the invention are illustrated by the following description and the accompanying claims. Brief explanation of the drawings Figure No. (1): shows an automatic measuring device for electrical stability according to the models that are disclosed here. Figure No. (7): shows the probe assembly according to the models that are disclosed here. 05 Figure No. (©) : shows a flow chart of operations according to embodiments disclosed herein Detailed Description: Certain embodiments of the invention are now described in detail with reference to accompanying figures Similar elements in the various embodiments are indicated with corresponding reference numbers for the sake of compatibility.

In the following detailed description of the current discovery models; Several particular details are given to provide Lad an accurate understanding of the invention. However; It is apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that the invention can be applied without these specific details. In other examples; Well-known properties are not described in detail to avoid unnecessary complexity of the description.

© and in asf appearances; The embodiments disclosed herein pertain to a method and apparatus for the automatic measurement of the properties of chemically converted, oil-based or synthetic emulsification fluids (ie, drilling and/or completion fluids). Although find here can refer to wile digging; However, a person of ordinary skill will realize that other types of fluids (cia) can also be tested using the system disclosed here.

0 Figure No. (1) shows an automatic measuring device for electrical stability (001) according to one or more models of the invention. The automatic measuring device for stability Alpesh includes an electronic control unit (V+) and a valve control box (;10), actuating valves (V7), probe assembly (0018), space (VY), Lad, after describing each of the aforementioned components, the automatic measurement of electrical stability (001) is carried out in detail. ‏

(Ver) and in one or more embodiments of the invention; The automatic VO meter works in two ways: an automatic method and a manual method. And in the automatic way; It operates an electronic control unit that sends periodic signals that start each reading (0018) operating valves (1+) and probe assembly (VY) measuring. The user found that the reading should be done by an electronic control unit.The method can also be used

Ye manually check the meter calibration. A controller (011) Ap pl is configured to control the

+ Timing between measurement readings/monitoring data. Those skilled in the art will understand that the frequency of measurement readings can be determined by factors other than timing. For example drilling fluid samples can be taken and measured based on the amount of drilling fluid being forced through the sounder assembly. Alternatively, drilling fluid samples can be taken and measured on request. © and in one or more embodiments; Configuration files stored on a working flash memory driver that operates according to the international serial path (not shown) or another type of computer readable media or electronic control unit (ECU) storage medium (017) are provided for the flash drive connector that works According to the international serial path (not shown). Your master skilled in this field can also use other types of connectors and storage media. For example, an AMI 0 card and a corresponding secure digital connector can be used to store and load profiles. Alternatively, it can also Use a hard disk drive, floppy disk drive, internal memory, or CD-ROM The profiles include probe guide shape selections, calibration data, automatic and manual process selections, and an electronic control unit (007). sinusoidal hertz increasing from 0 to 00001 volts at Yor volts/0 sec. The procedure (ie program) stored in the modulation file is used to actuate actuating valves (011) and to determine when to trigger a signal in waveform designated with the probe assembly (008). and in one or more embodiments; Positive shapes are stored as separate files and may not be part of a shapefile. The standard API reading is peak voltage at current of 61 µA. However; The modulation file can also provide 0 electronic control of signals that are dependent on non-linear voltage surges and/or other ov o— types of surge rates. Those skilled in this field will realize that the specifications of the electrical stability test can be changed by programming different positives on the shaped coil which is fed to a +1 microcontroller thus; The limiting current can be higher or lower than (01) Ag SY Ampere. In accordance with Figure (1), the valve control box (108) is effectively connected with the © unit and solid state relays ( ie; opening and closing) Hall and includes an electronic control supply (V4) and terminal blocks (not shown) allow connection of the control box at (01) to actuate the valve actuators (+1) and include actuating valves L(V +1) valve (?10) for power supply and operating valves 0.3 cm on 1.7 cm pipe joints for drilling fluid and pipe openings a person with normal skill in this art will realize that it can Use of other pipe fittings and orifices 0 Calibrate without straying from the range of embodiments disclosed herein. The orifices are suitable for use with solid pipe or watertight sockets. Associated pipe orifices (014) are connected to the valve control box. (V+1) to valve actuators and in (VA) with probe assembly (017) is also effectively connected to an electronic control unit and in one or more embodiments that (018) Detailed view Also for the probe assembly (1) Fig. Ve (706) with a polar probe (717) on a cell (0018) The probe assembly includes a clin that is detected for Ble (Yet) to measure stability Electrical and other properties of drilling fluid. The polar probe is a fork-shaped probe with two electrodes (141) on each clip-shaped piece. There is a probe gap of edn (0117) between the two electrodes. The polar probe is placed inside the small cell (01) Which (YY) on Lad (YoY) flow hose/tube The cell bal includes Yo bypass system

D directs (i.e. carries) the drilling fluid from one end of the cell (YY) to the other end of the cell (Yor) which ensures that a portion of the drill block is placed in the probe cavity (YA) and in one or more of the models that are disclosed very specifically in this document; The drilling fluid flow is diverted to the bypass system (i.e., the sounder assembly) using an electric motor pump with a low flow rate© (not shown). The drilling fluid is captured from the oil installation and pumped into the (yor) cell (or sample chamber) of the sounder assembly. (008) by means of hoses (OV OVE) which Lad is part of the by-pass system. In one or more embodiments disclosed cla the hoses (8 (1 16) can be sheathed flexible hoses with stainless steel lly connected to the spacer and probe assembly Ay (018) Fig. (1); the straight-fitted hose serves as the mud inlet (MVE) 0 and the elbow-equipped hose serves as the mud outlet (VV) In fig. oY the slurry inlet (YY) is shown and the hoses (140; IVT) are connected with operating valves (V4) to ensure slurry flow through the probe assembly (018) during the sampling phase Drilling Fluid For Electrical Stability Measurement Referring to Figure (1); the area (11”) in one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein is a separate piece of physical component actively connected with the probe assembly and used to regulate the probe gap and the probe electrodes between the joints into which the drilling fluid is pumped through the probe assembly (018). Specifically, das (11”) is a working squeegee that cleans the electrodes by pushing them into the probe cavity; The drilling fluid present in the sounder bore is removed and is then forced out of the sounder bore. and in one or more embodiments; The occupied area (VY) 00 can be made of steel or foil. An electronic control unit is configured to drive the space (11") and to determine when to perform cleaning of the probe electrodes.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that an automatic electrical stability meter can be used

Other mechanisms for cleaning the electrodes attached to the probes, and this is not limited to the aforementioned space.

For example, an automatic measurement of electrical stability can use [Aad calla].

conventional ultrasound; Which lead to remove the ale pits between the electrodes. can on

© eg separate nozzles installed next to the polar probe; which can be used in

Eliminate any TAM deposits from the electrodes Ally the previously tested drilling fluid from the probe cavity.

Specifically, das can apply high-velocity jets of a new fluid to the electrode surfaces and in the electrodes

Probe gap to clean the polar probe between sampling periods. Alternatively, the probe itself can be vibrated

at high speeds to get rid of sludge that could be deposited on and around the probe electrodes. And furthermore

0 that; A combination of the above cleaning methods can also be used to clean the electrode probe.

The automatic measuring device for electrical stability (001) is formed to take a sample of the drilling fluid in a form

Automatic, as the drilling fluid is pumped through the probe assembly (018). The sample size can be

The drilling fluid by the automatic measuring device for electrical stability (001) should be approximately 0 * ml.

However; A person with ordinary skill in this field can see that the sample size varies depending on

VO e.g. on the drilling fluid chosen, probe gap area....etc. And in one or

more models; The meter (001) can be located offshore; at or near

location of drilling fluids. The readings/data can then be transmitted by the automatic meter

For electrical stability (001) on series communication lines to a data monitoring system (not shown) which can be located offshore or onshore.

Sh. Those skilled in this field will realize that although the discussion previously mentioned for Figure (1) focuses on the automatic lil glen stability measurement of the electrical stability of drilling fluids, electrostimulation can be used to automatically measure other properties of drilling fluids that give information It can be useful to measure changes in water content as a result of flow (JE) composition and stability of the drilling fluid. For example, from the formation or other source, or the water flow rates and/or oil-to-water rates of the drilling fluid from which a sample is taken. In addition, wetting properties of oil with drilling fluid, conductivity of drilling fluid and/or permittivity and properties can also be measured using an automatic measuring device for electrical stability.To measure other properties of drilling fluid gal, the method is modified Electrical stability test to collect current and voltage data less than the previously discussed breakdown voltage. Automatic measurement of electrical stability automatically Lead capacity (ST 302) is short on start; The inlet and outlet valves are opened to obtain drilling fluid samples and the inlet and outlet operating valves are opened; Drilling fluid is pumped through the probe assembly. The probe gap is initially cleaned to remove any fluid (ST 304), after which the probe gap is cleaned by 0 previously tested holes, in addition to removing the remains of the circuit intent bridge from the measurement room and electrode surfaces. The above-mentioned methods can be used. numerous cleanings, such as the use of a wiper arm which moves the WS in and out of the probe bore, rapid flow of drilling fluid through the chamber, high velocity jetting of fluid through the chamber, etc. and in one or more embodiments, if a Continuous drilling fluid sampling, the drilling fluid passing through the hose can be enough to clean the Ye electrodes.

— 10 =

The probe assembly is Jilly flushed with the 306 (ST) drilling fluid and the inlet and outlet valves are closed to separate the drilling fluid sample (ST 308) and trial and error can be used to determine the duration of the flow period. The probe assembly is flushed by pumping the drilling fluid through the hoses that passes through the probe assembly for a fixed period.Lashing of the probe assembly allows the previously tested drilling fluid sample to be removed from the cell where the probe is to be placed and also allows the placement of new drilling fluid into the welle recess.In one or more embodiments of the invention the drilling fluid flows out of the probe assembly With primer oil and solvent degreaser prior to storage or before starting a new drilling fluid flow Locking the operating valves stops the drilling fluid flow and creates a rest period during which overvoltage can be performed Those skilled in the art will understand that an automatic electrical stability meter can also be used in a process An alternative continuous 0 for sampling and measurement of drilling fluid in which case the electrode can be installed directly in the path of the drilling fluid pump which pumps the drilling fluid through the Gland assembly so that the sample chamber (sl) becomes a line between the system Active and mud pump. In this case; is exposed

The polar probe of new drilling fluid continuously. And at this point; The standard ES probe waveform is performed for the V0 API; The voltage between the probe electrodes is automatically raised according to the waveform when the current limit value (81 310) is reached; The electrical stability of the drilling fluid is measured by the sample (ie, the avalanche voltage reading (312) (ST) is taken and recorded and the avalanche voltage reading is then transmitted on serial lines to the Data Monitoring Center (314 51). The automatic measuring device for electrical stability thus opens the operating valves and allows the drilling fluid to flow continuously until the time specified for the next measuring Ye reading. Those skilled in this field will realize that the previous steps (316 ST) can be repeated for each

— 11 —

oul reading where the measurement of the electrical stability is made automatically to manage the previous sequence of steps as required.

usefully; The embodiments disclosed herein provide an improved electrical stability meter for measuring various non-aqueous fluid properties of a chemically transformed emulsion; Jie Oil based drilling fluids

© Synthesis-based drilling fluids.

The models specifically provide an ES meter and a method for using an automatic ES meter to measure the ES for those non-aqueous fluids. And using those measurements; Trends over time for said drilling fluid property can be analyzed to obtain information on fluid emulsion stability and fluid handling routing.

sade and moreover; The automatic measuring device for the electrical stability of the present invention has 0 uses in its use as it is possible to change the waveforms and specifications (such as voltage increase rates) used in measuring the electrical stability and other properties of drilling fluids by means of coils. Configuration available with electronic control unit In addition to this; The geometrical properties of the probe gap (eg electrode area,

0 greater) with the use of the automatic electrical stability test; Which can result in a larger current and breakdown voltage than previously described. While the invention is described for a limited number of embodiments; The skilled in this field; After taking advantage of this discovery; They will realize that other models can be devised that do not depart from the field of invention as described here. accordingly; The scope of the invention should only be limited to the accompanying claims.

Claims (1)

A - AY - Claims 1 1 - A method for the automatic measurement of a fluid property associated with drilling use; These include: obtaining a sample of the fluid; wherein the fluid sample is obtained by directing ld) through a 7 ¢ polar probe assembly that includes a polar probe and the fluid is placed in the gap between the electrodes ; . polar probe; © : increase the voltage applied to the electrodes of the electrode probe until the limiting current is obtained; 1 The breakdown voltage is recorded at dad as the limiting current; and for using the breakdown voltage in calculating a property of a fluid sample6 and cleaning the polar probe; 4 where at least two of the steps of obtaining a sample are performed; 0 voltage increase incrementally; And cleaning the electrode probe automatically by electronic control unit. 1 * - A method according to Claim No. (1); where the step of obtaining a sample from a fluid "includes opening at least one valve. 1? - A method according to Claim No. (1); also includes: Y transmit breakdown voltage of a coll monitoring center where the data monitoring center is placed at one selected TF from the combination consisting of the remote location and the local equipment location. Separation of due from the fluid. 1 © - method according to claim No. (1), where the fluid is a diverted emulsion fluid — p \ — y chemically. 1 1 - Method according to Claim No. (1); Cus cleaning the polar probe involves pushing ¥ an area in and out of the probe recess. 1 7 - method according to claim No. (1), where the cleaning of the polar probe includes the use of “high-speed jets to remove the pre-tested fluid from the probe cavity. 1 + - method according to claim No. (1); where The voltage is increased using a computer program Y that includes the shape of the vector specified for the rates of voltage increase. Oil wetting of the fluid and changes in the content of ele ?_ fluid; the electrical stability of the fluid, conductivity/fluid and the permittivity of the fluid. to send a signal to obtain a sample of a fluid; ¢ Probe assembly actively connected to the ECU; which includes a polar probe where © the polar probe includes the probe gap; Whereas the fluid sample is pumped through the probe assembly 1 and fills the probe cavity; Whereas, the voltage is increased to obtain a measurement of the breakdown voltage occurring V at the value of the current limit; Whereas, the breakdown voltage measurement is used in the automatic measurement of a property of A fluid sample; — \ > — 4 The aan shee mechanism cleans the probe gap periodically according to the signal given by the Ye electronic control unit; And 11 at least one actuating valve; 1" where the ECU is configured to control at least two of the 1 actuating valve at least 10; the flushing mechanism; and the voltage increased. 11 1 - Automatic measuring device for electrical stability according to Claim (10); wherein the cleaning mechanism X comprises a space actively attached to the liad assembly and where the space Y is formed to move periodically in and out of the probe cavity to remove a fluid Bend the probe. 11 1 - The automatic measuring device for electrical stability according to Claim No. (10), where “the cleaning mechanism includes the use of high-speed jets to remove the pre-tested fluid from the probe cavity. 1 1 - Automatic measuring device for electrical stability according to claim No. (10), where “- the cleaning mechanism uses ultrasonic methods to remove the pre-tested fluid from the probe gap. VE) - Automatic measuring device for electrical stability according to claim No. (10); also includes: V At least one actuating valve is configured to open in order to allow fluid to flow through 8 probe set; Whereas, at least one of the aforementioned operating valves is configured to close from dal to isolate a sample of the fluid. _ \ at — Yo 1 - Automatic measuring device for electrical stability according to protection element No. (Yo) ', where Y is also configured for the electronic control unit to control the frequency of fluid sampling. 111 - The automatic measuring device for electrical stability according to Clause No. (10); v also includes: ; slurry inlet hose to send fluid to the probe assembly; And © Mud outlet hose to send fluid out of the Ola assembly 11 whereby the slurry inlet hose and the slurry outlet hose are effectively connected to the probe assembly. 17 1 - Automatic measuring device for electrical stability according to protection element No. (10), where the electronic control unit Y receives the modulation file that includes the shape of the wave that determines the VF voltage increase rates; and where the configuration file is stored on a readable medium. Actively connected to the computer ¢ with the electronic control unit J. 181 - Automatic measuring device for electrical stability according to protection element No. (VV) where the modulation coil is used to determine the overvoltage procedure and sample frequency for voltage measurements | to collapse. 1 484 - Automatic measuring device for electrical stability according to claim No. (Ye) + where X the fluid property includes at least one selected from the group consisting of the oil wetting property ¥; changes in the water content of the arrester and the electrical stability cabal], fluid conductivity, and fluid permittivity. 1 0 - Automatic measuring device J for electrical stability according to protection element No. (Yo) ', where the Ju Y Measures the breakdown voltage to a data monitoring center located at a selected one of the group consisting of a remote location and a local equipment location. Dr