# US 11,028,656 B2 · Drilling mud screen system and methods thereof

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- Number: US 11,028,656 B2
- Document ID: US11028656B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 15/959,070
- Filed: 2018-04-20
- Published: 2018-11-01
- Granted: 2021-06-08
- Earliest claimed: 2017-04-28
- Assignees: Black Diamond Oilfield Rentals LLC
- Applicants: Black Diamond Oilfield Rentals LLC
- Inventors: Christopher M. Biggerstaff; Don A. Comeaux; Charles G. Kibbe; Jeremy P. Hebert; Clayton A. Romero
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11028656B2

## CPC

- E21B 21/08: Controlling or monitoring pressure or flow of drilling fluid, e.g. automatic filling of boreholes, automatic control of bottom pressure (valve arrangements therefor E21B21/10)
- E21B 19/16: Connecting or disconnecting pipe couplings or joints (E21B19/20 takes precedence)
- E21B 21/065: {Separating solids from drilling fluids}
- E21B 21/10: Valve arrangements in drilling-fluid circulation systems
- E21B 21/12: using drilling pipes with plural fluid passages, e.g. closed circulation systems
- E21B 21/106: {Valve arrangements outside the borehole, e.g. kelly valves (valves specifically for maintaining circulation of drilling fluid while connecting or disconnecting tubular joints E21B21/019)}
- E21B: EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS

## Abstract

A drilling mud screen system, comprising: a hollow body having a first end, a second end and a first centerline from the first end to the second end; a drilling mud inlet having a second centerline forming an angle with the first centerline and extending to the first centerline, wherein the drilling mud inlet is offset from the first end of the body; a drilling mud outlet at the second end of the body; a drilling mud screen access port at the first end of the body; an end cap, disposed within the drilling mud access port to close and seal the drilling mud access port; a plug, disposed within the first body between the first end cap and the first drilling mud inlet; and a drilling mud screen, disposed within the body between the drilling mud inlet and the drilling mud outlet is disclosed. Methods of installing and using the drilling mud screen system are also disclosed.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A drilling mud screen system, comprising:
(a) a first body having a first end, a second end and a first centerline from the first end to the second end;
(b) a first drilling mud inlet having a straight extension, the drilling mud inlet and the straight extension having a second centerline forming a first angle with the first centerline and extending to the first centerline, wherein the first drilling mud inlet is offset from the first end of the first body and wherein the first angle is from about 20-degrees to about 120-degrees;
(c) a first drilling mud outlet at the second end of the first body;
(d) a drilling mud screen access port at the first end of the first body;
(e) a first end cap, disposed within the drilling mud access port to close and seal the drilling mud access port;
(f) a drilling mud screen comprising:
(i) a second body having a first end and a second end;
(ii) a second drilling mud inlet at the first end of the second body;
(iii) a filter having a first end, a second end, and openings, wherein the filter is fluidly connected to the second end of the second body via a first connection and/or a first end retaining ring;
(iv) a second drilling mud outlet at the openings of the filter; and
(v) a second end cap fluidly connected at the second end of the filter via a second connection, wherein the second end cap is an inverted cone or an inverted cone with holes or slots;
(g) wherein the drilling mud screen is disposed within the first body between the first drilling mud inlet and the first drilling mud outlet;
(h) wherein the first drilling mud outlet is adapted to be fluidly connected to an inlet of a vibrator hose or an inlet to a standpipe or at any point in the standpipe.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The drilling mud screen system of claim 1, wherein the first end and/or the second end of the second body has a means to engage a drilling mud screen puller/installer tool.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The drilling mud screen system of claim 1, wherein the first body comprises a third body and a fourth body, and wherein the third body is fluidly connected to the fourth body via a union.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

The drilling mud screen system of claim 3, wherein one or more of the first body, the second body, the third body and the fourth body are constructed from AISI 4130/75k or equivalent material, AISI 4145 or equivalent, or combinations thereof.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1, 3)

A method of removing and replacing a drilling mud screen comprising the steps of:
(a) providing the drilling mud screen system of claim 1 or 3;
(b) stopping a drilling mud pump connected to the drilling mud screen system;
(c) opening a drilling mud screen access port and/or a union in the drilling mud screen system to remove and replace a drilling mud screen;
(d) accessing the interior of the drilling mud screen system to pull the drilling mud screen from the drilling mud screen system and to install a replacement drilling mud screen into the drilling mud screen system;
(e) closing the drilling mud screen access port and or the union in the drilling mud screen system; and
operating the drilling mud pump to produce flow of drilling mud through the drilling mud screen system.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1, 5)

The method of claim 5, wherein step c) comprises opening a drilling mud screen access port in the body of the drilling mud screen system of claim 1.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1, 5)

The method of claim 5, wherein step e) comprises closing the drilling mud screen access port in the of body the drilling mud screen system of claim 1.

### Claim 8 (depends on 3, 5)

The method of claim 5, wherein step c) comprises opening the drilling mud screen access port of the third body and opening a union between the third body and the fourth body of the drilling mud screen system of claim 3 to remove and replace the drilling mud screen.

### Claim 9 (depends on 3, 5)

The method of claim 5, wherein step e) comprises closing the drilling mud screen access port of the third body and connecting the union between the third body and the fourth body of the drilling mud screen system of claim 3.

### Claim 10 (depends on 5)

The method of claim 5, wherein step c) comprises opening the drilling mud screen access port and step d) comprises using a puller/installer plate of a puller/installer tool to engage and pull the drilling mud screen from the drilling mud screen system.

### Claim 11 (depends on 5)

The method of claim 5, wherein step c) comprises opening the drilling mud screen access port and step d) comprises using a puller/installer plate and/or a rounded end of a puller/installer tool to install the replacement drilling mud screen into the drilling mud screen system and using a stop plate, groove or painted line of the puller/installer tool to determine when the replacement drilling mud screen is installed into the drilling mud screen system.

### Claim 12 (depends on 1)

The drilling mud screen system of claim 1, wherein the first body has a first portion and a second portion surrounding the filter, and wherein a second inner diameter of the second portion is larger than a first inner diameter of the first portion to provide a high flow rate of drilling mud through the filter.

### Claim 13 (depends on 1)

The drilling mud screen system of claim 1, wherein the filter comprises a plurality of rods having a first end and a second end, wherein the rods are spaced a distance apart to form the openings in the filter.

### Claim 14 (depends on 13)

The drilling mud screen system of claim 13, wherein the rods are tapered from first end to the second end.

### Claim 15 (depends on 1)

The drilling mud screen system of claim 1, wherein the filter comprises a formed sheet having drilled holes or slots spaced a distance apart to form the openings in the filter.

### Claim 16 (depends on 15)

The drilling mud screen system of claim 15, wherein the drilled holes or slots are drilled in offset rows or straight rows from the first end to the second end.

### Claim 17 (depends on 1)

The drilling mud screen system of claim 1, wherein the filter is tapered from the first end to the second end.

### Claim 18 (depends on 1)

The drilling mud screen system of claim 1, wherein the first centerline of the first body and an inner surface of the second end cap forms a cap angle, wherein the cap angle is from about 30-degrees to about 60-degrees.

### Claim 19 (depends on 1)

The drilling mud screen system of claim 1, wherein the first centerline of the first body and an inner surface of the second end cap forms a cap angle, wherein the cap angle is from about 35-degrees to about 45-degrees.

### Claim 20 (depends on 1)

The drilling mud screen system of claim 1, wherein the filter, the first end retaining ring and/or the retaining ring is constructed from AISI 4145 or equivalent, stainless steel or combinations thereof and/or has a hardened coating.

### Claim 21 (depends on 1)

The drilling mud screen system of claim 1, wherein the filter has a Carbide coating with about 6% Cobalt binder.

### Claim 22 (depends on 1)

A method of installing a drilling mud screen system comprising the steps of:
(a) providing the drilling mud screen system of claim 1;
(b) stopping a drilling mud pump to fluidly connect the drilling mud screen to the drilling mud pump;
(c) fluidly connecting the drilling mud screen system in line with and immediately upstream or downstream of the drilling mud pump; and
(d) operating the drilling mud pump to produce flow of drilling mud through the drilling mud screen system.

### Claim 23 (depends on 22)

The method of claim 22, wherein step c) comprises fluidly connecting a drilling mud inlet of the drilling mud screen system to a high-pressure outlet of the drilling mud pump and fluidly connecting a drilling mud outlet of the drilling mud screen system to a vibrator hose or a standpipe.

### Claim 24 (depends on 22)

The method of claim 22, wherein step c) comprises fluidly connecting a drilling mud inlet of the drilling mud screen system to a high-pressure inlet of the drilling mud pump and fluidly connecting a drilling mud outlet of the drilling mud screen system to an inlet of a vibrator hose.

### Claim 25 (depends on 22)

The method of claim 22, wherein step c) comprises fluidly connecting a drilling mud inlet of the drilling mud screen system to an outlet of a vibrator hose and a drilling mud outlet to an inlet of a standpipe.

### Claim 26 (depends on 22)

The method of claim 22, wherein step c) comprises fluidly connecting a drilling mud inlet of the drilling mud screen system to an outlet of a first portion of a standpipe and a drilling mud outlet to an inlet of a second portion of the standpipe.

### Claim 27 (depends on 22)

The method of claim 22, further comprising the step e) filtering or screening debris from drilling mud.

### Claim 28 (depends on 1)

The drilling mud screen system of claim 1, further comprising
(a) a transducer subassembly comprising:
i. a body having a first end, a second end and a first centerline from the first end to the second end;
ii. a transducer access port having a second centerline forming a transducer angle with the first centerline and extending to the first centerline, wherein the transducer access port is offset from the first end and wherein the transducer angle is from about 20-degrees to about 120-degrees;
iii. a drilling mud inlet at the first end of the transducer body;
iv. a drilling mud outlet at the second end of the transducer body;
v. a transducer, disposed within the transducer access port to close and seal the transducer access port; and
(b) wherein the drilling mud outlet of the transducer subassembly is fluidly connected to the first drilling mud inlet of the drilling mud screen system.

### Claim 29 (depends on 1)

A method of installing a drilling mud screen system comprising the steps of:
(a) providing the drilling mud screen system of claim 1;
(b) stopping a drilling mud pump;
(c) fluidly connecting a first transducer subassembly, having a transducer, in line with and downstream of the drilling mud pump and fluidly connecting the drilling mud screen system in line with and immediately downstream of the first transducer subassembly; and
(d) operating the drilling mud pump to produce flow of drilling mud through the first transducer subassembly and the drilling mud screen system.

### Claim 30 (depends on 29)

The method of claim 29 further comprising step (f) monitoring the transducer of the first transducer subassembly for property information immediately upstream of the drilling mud screen system and step (g) using the property information to determine a status of the drilling mud screen system.

### Claim 31 (depends on 29)

The method of claim 29 wherein step (c) comprises fluidly connecting a first transducer subassembly, having a transducer, in line with and downstream of the drilling mud pump and fluidly connecting the drilling mud screen system in line with and immediately downstream of the first transducer subassembly, and fluidly connecting a gate valve in line with and immediately downstream of the drilling mud screen system, fluidly connecting a second transducer assembly, having a low torque plug valve, in line with and immediately downstream of the gate valve and wherein step (d) comprises operating the drilling mud pump to produce flow of drilling mud through the first transducer subassembly, the drilling mud screen system, the gate valve and the second transducer subassembly.

### Claim 32 (depends on 29)

The method of claim 29 further comprising step (e) stopping the drilling mud pump, step (f) closing the gate valve to isolate the drilling mud screen system, and step (g) pumping cement through the low torque plug valve of the second transducer subassembly, a vibrator hose, a stand pipe, a top drive and a case running tool (CRT).

### Claim 33

A drilling mud screen system, comprising:
(a) a first body having a first end, a second end and a first centerline from the first end to the second end;
(b) a first drilling mud inlet having a straight extension, the first drilling mud inlet and the straight extension having a second centerline forming a first angle with the first centerline and extending to the first centerline, wherein the first drilling mud inlet is offset from the first end of the first body and wherein the first angle is from about 20-degrees to about 120-degrees;
(c) a second drilling mud inlet having a third centerline forming a second angle with the first centerline and extending to the first centerline, and forming a third angle with the second centerline, wherein the second drilling mud inlet is offset from the first end of the first end of the first body, wherein the second drilling mud inlet is offset from the second centerline radially about the first centerline, and wherein the second angle is from about 20 degrees to about 120 degrees;
(d) a first drilling mud outlet at the second end of the first body;
(e) a drilling mud screen access port at the first end of the first body;
(f) a first end cap, disposed within the drilling mud access port to close and seal the drilling mud access port;
(g) a drilling mud screen comprising:
(i) a second body having a first end and a second end;
(ii) a second drilling mud inlet at the first end of the second body;
(iii) a filter having a first end, a second end, and openings, wherein the filter is fluidly connected to the second end of the second body via a first connection and/or a first end retaining ring;
(iv) a second drilling mud outlet at the openings of the filter;
(v) a second end cap fluidly connected at the second end of the filter via a second connection, wherein the second end cap is an inverted cone or an inverted cone with holes or slots;
(h) wherein the drilling mud screen is disposed within the first body between the first drilling mud inlet and the first drilling mud outlet; and
(g) a drilling mud screen insert, disposed within the first body between the first drilling mud inlet and the drilling mud screen;
(h) wherein the first drilling mud outlet is adapted to be fluidly connected to an inlet of a vibrator hose or an inlet to a standpipe or at any point in the standpipe.

### Claim 34 (depends on 33)

The drilling mud screen system of claim 33,
wherein the first end and/or the second end of the second body has a means to engage a drilling mud screen puller/installer tool.

### Claim 35 (depends on 33)

The drilling mud screen system of claim 33, wherein the first body comprises a third body and a fourth body, and wherein the third body is fluidly connected to the fourth body via a union.

### Claim 36 (depends on 35)

The drilling mud screen system of claim 35, wherein one or more of the first body, the second body, the third body and the fourth body are constructed from AISI 4130/75k or equivalent material, AISI 4145 or equivalent, or combinations thereof.

### Claim 37 (depends on 33)

The drilling mud screen system of claim 33, wherein the first body has a first portion and a second portion surrounding the filter, and wherein a second inner diameter of the second portion is larger than a first inner diameter of the first portion to provide a high flow rate of drilling mud through the filter.

### Claim 38 (depends on 33)

The drilling mud screen system of claim 33, wherein the filter comprises a plurality of rods having a first end and a second end, wherein the rods are spaced a distance apart to form the openings in the filter.

### Claim 39 (depends on 38)

The drilling mud screen system of claim 38, wherein the rods are tapered from the first end to the second end.

### Claim 40 (depends on 33)

The drilling mud screen system of claim 33, wherein the filter comprises a formed sheet having drilled holes or slots spaced a distance apart to form the openings in the filter.

### Claim 41 (depends on 40)

The drilling mud screen system of claim 40, wherein the drilled holes or slots are drilled in offset rows or straight rows from the first end to the second end.

### Claim 42 (depends on 33)

The drilling mud screen system of claim 33, wherein the filter is tapered from the first end to the second end.

### Claim 43 (depends on 33)

The drilling mud screen system of claim 33, wherein the first centerline of the first body and an inner surface of the second end cap forms a cap angle, wherein the cap angle is from about 30-degrees to about 60-degrees.

### Claim 44 (depends on 33)

The drilling mud screen system of claim 33, wherein the first centerline of the first body and an inner surface of the second end cap forms a cap angle, wherein the cap angle is from about 35-degrees to about 45-degrees.

### Claim 45 (depends on 33)

The drilling mud screen system of claim 33, wherein the drilling mud screen is constructed from AISI 4145 or equivalent, stainless steel or combinations thereof, and wherein the drilling mud screen insert is constructed from AISI 4130/75k or equivalent material, AISI 4145 or equivalent, or combinations thereof and/or has a hardened coating.

### Claim 46 (depends on 33)

The drilling mud screen system of claim 33, wherein the filter has a Carbide coating with about 6% Cobalt binder.

### Claim 47 (depends on 33)

A method of installing a drilling mud screen system comprising the steps of:
(a) providing the drilling mud screen system of claim 33;
(b) stopping a drilling mud pump to fluidly connect the drilling mud screen to the drilling mud pump;
(c) fluidly connecting the drilling mud screen system in line with and immediately upstream or downstream of the drilling mud pump; and
(d) operating the drilling mud pump to produce flow of drilling mud through the drilling mud screen system.

### Claim 48 (depends on 47)

The method of claim 47, wherein step c) comprises fluidly connecting the first drilling mud inlet and the second drilling mud inlet of the drilling mud screen system to a high-pressure outlet of the drilling mud pump and fluidly connecting a drilling mud outlet of the drilling mud screen system to a vibrator hose or a standpipe.

### Claim 49 (depends on 47)

The method of claim 47, wherein step c) comprises fluidly connecting the first drilling mud inlet and the second drilling mud inlet of the drilling mud screen system to a high-pressure inlet of the drilling mud pump and fluidly connecting a drilling mud outlet of the drilling mud screen system to an inlet of a vibrator hose.

### Claim 50 (depends on 47)

The method of claim 47, wherein step c) comprises fluidly connecting the first drilling mud inlet and the second drilling mud inlet of the drilling mud screen system to an outlet of a vibrator hose and a drilling mud outlet to an inlet of a standpipe.

### Claim 51 (depends on 47)

The method of claim 47, wherein step c) comprises fluidly connecting the first drilling mud inlet and the second drilling mud inlet of the drilling mud screen system to an outlet of a first portion of a standpipe and a drilling mud outlet to an inlet of a second portion of the standpipe.

### Claim 52 (depends on 47)

The method of claim 47, further comprising step e) filtering or screening debris from drilling mud.

### Claim 53

A drilling mud screen system, comprising:
(a) a first body having a first end, a second end and a first centerline from the first end to the second end;
(b) a first drilling mud inlet having a second centerline forming a first angle with the first centerline and extending to the first centerline, wherein the first drilling mud inlet is offset from the first end of the first body and wherein the first angle is from about 20-degrees to about 120-degrees;
(c) a first drilling mud outlet at the second end of the first body;
(d) a drilling mud screen access port at the first end of the first body;
(e) a first end cap, disposed within the drilling mud access port to close and seal the drilling mud access port;
(f) a plug, disposed between within the first body between the drilling mud access port and the first drilling mud inlet, wherein the plug comprises:
(i) a second body having a first end and a second end,
(ii) wherein the first end of the second body has a means to engage a drilling mud screen puller/installer tool and the second end of the second body has a flow surface to direct the drilling mud from the first drilling mud inlet to the second drilling mud inlet; and
(iii) wherein the first end of the second body has a cavity extending towards but not through the flow surface of the plug and a port extending from an outer surface of the plug into the cavity;
(g) a drilling mud screen, disposed within the first body between the first drilling mud inlet and the first drilling mud outlet;
(h) a drilling mud screen insert, disposed within the first body between the first drilling mud inlet and the drilling mud screen.

### Claim 54 (depends on 53)

The drilling mud screen system of claim 53, wherein the drilling mud screen comprises:
(a) a third body having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end and/or the second end of the third body has a means to engage a drilling mud screen puller/installer tool;
(b) a second drilling mud inlet at the first end of the third body;
(c) a filter having a first end, a second end, and openings, wherein the filter is fluidly connected to the second end of the third body;
(d) a second drilling mud outlet at the openings of the filter; and
(e) a second end cap fluidly connected at the second end of the filter.

### Claim 55 (depends on 54)

The drilling mud screen system of claim 54, wherein one or more of the first body, the second body and the third body are constructed from AISI 4130/75k or equivalent material, AISI 4145 or equivalent, or combinations thereof.

### Claim 56 (depends on 54)

The drilling mud screen system of claim 54, wherein the filter comprises a plurality of rods having a first end and a second end, wherein the rods are spaced a distance apart to form the openings in the filter.

### Claim 57 (depends on 56)

The drilling mud screen system of claim 56, wherein the rods are tapered from the first end to the second end.

### Claim 58 (depends on 54)

The drilling mud screen system of claim 54, wherein the filter comprises a formed sheet having drilled holes or slots spaced a distance apart to form the openings in the filter.

### Claim 59 (depends on 58)

The drilling mud screen system of claim 58, wherein the drilled holes or slots are drilled in offset rows or straight rows from the first end to the second end.

### Claim 60 (depends on 54)

The drilling mud screen system of claim 54, wherein the filter is tapered from the first end to the second end.

### Claim 61 (depends on 54)

The drilling mud screen system of claim 54, wherein the second end cap is a flat plate or a flat plate with holes or slots.

### Claim 62 (depends on 54)

The drilling mud screen system of claim 54, wherein the second end cap is an inverted cone or an inverted cone with holes or slots.

### Claim 63 (depends on 54)

The drilling mud screen system of claim 54, wherein the first centerline of the first body and an inner surface of the second end cap forms a cap angle, wherein the cap angle is from about 30-degrees to about 60-degrees.

### Claim 64 (depends on 54)

The drilling mud screen system of claim 54, wherein the first centerline of the first body and an inner surface of the second end cap forms a cap angle, wherein the cap angle is from about 35-degrees to about 45-degrees.

### Claim 65 (depends on 54)

The drilling mud screen system of claim 54, wherein the filter has a Carbide coating with about 6% Cobalt binder.

### Claim 66 (depends on 54)

The drilling mud screen system of claim 54, wherein the first body has a first portion and a second portion surrounding the filter, and wherein a second inner diameter of the second portion is larger than a first inner diameter of the first portion to provide a high flow rate of drilling mud through the filter.

### Claim 67 (depends on 53)

The drilling mud screen system of claim 53, wherein the drilling mud screen is constructed from AISI 4145 or equivalent, stainless steel or combinations thereof.

### Claim 68 (depends on 53)

The drilling mud screen system of claim 53, wherein the flow surface may be selected from the group consisting of a backwards “J” shape, a curved shape, an “L” shape and combinations and variations thereof.

### Claim 69 (depends on 53)

A method of removing and replacing a drilling mud screen comprising the steps of:
(a) providing the drilling mud screen system of claim 53;
(b) stopping a drilling mud pump connected to the drilling mud screen system;
(c) opening a drilling mud screen access port in the drilling mud screen system to remove and replace a drilling mud screen;
(d) accessing the interior of the drilling mud screen system to pull the plug from the drilling mud screen system;
(e) accessing the interior of the drilling mud screen system to pull the drilling mud screen from the drilling mud screen system and to install a replacement drilling mud screen into the drilling mud screen system;
(f) accessing the interior of the drilling mud screen system to reinstall the plug into the drilling mud screen system;
(g) closing the drilling mud screen access port in the drilling mud screen system; and
(h) operating the drilling mud pump to produce flow of drilling mud through the drilling mud screen system.

### Claim 70 (depends on 69)

The method of claim 69, wherein step d) comprises using a puller/installer plate of a puller/installer tool to engage and pull the plug from the drilling mud screen system and step e) comprises using a puller/installer plate of a puller/installer tool to engage and pull the drilling mud screen from the drilling mud screen system.

### Claim 71 (depends on 69)

The method of claim 69, wherein step e) comprises using a puller/installer plate and/or a rounded end of a puller/installer tool to install the replacement drilling mud screen into the drilling mud screen system and step f) comprises using a puller/installer plate and/or a rounded end of a puller/installer tool to reinstall the plug into the drilling mud screen system.