Integrated, automated possum belly
AssigneeSchlumberger Technology Corporation
InventorsBabak Bob Arefi, Franz Aguirre, Christopher Shane Lalumandier
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An integrated possum belly having a raised filter portion and collection troughs is disclosed. A fluid flow such as a drilling fluid can contain unwanted material such as gumbo which can clog pipes and other equipment. The fluid flow is deposited onto the raised filter portion that has sloped sides with openings in the sloped sides. The fluid passes through the openings and is collected, while the gumbo and other debris remains on the filter and is collected and discarded. Sensors and a controller can be used to automate aspects of the operation of the possum belly including the opening of the filter.
Claims20
An apparatus, comprising:
- a filter having a plurality of slats forming an apex and sloped sides, the slats forming a first layer;
- a second layer being movable relative to the first layer from a first position to a second position, wherein in the first position the slats are aligned with openings in the second layer and the filter is closed, and wherein in the second position the openings in the second layer are positioned at least partially between the slats and the filter is at least partially open;
- a trough positioned relative to the filter to receive material deposited onto the filter from above that does not pass through the filter;
- and
- a lower collection area below the filter and being configured to receive material deposited onto the filter from above that passes through the filter.
An integrated possum belly, comprising:
- a filter unit having sloped sides, an apex, and a plurality of closable openings, the filter being configured to receive a fluid deposited onto the apex from above;
- a first receiving chamber configured to receive material that does not fit through the closable openings;
- a second receiving chamber configured to receive material that fits through the closable openings;
- one or more sensors configured to monitor the presence of material on the filter;
- and
- a controller configured to receive information from the sensors indicating the presence of material on the filter and to actuate the filter to open or close the closable openings in response to the information from the sensors.
A method of filtering material from a fluid flow, the method comprising:
- depositing the fluid flow onto a raised portion of a filter, the filter having sloped sides configured to direct the fluid flow at least approximately equally in two or more lateral directions;
- actuating the openings in the filter to accommodate a predetermined size of material to filter out the material from the fluid flow;
- and
- collecting the material separate from the filtered fluid.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.