Intelligent mud-gas separation and handling system
AssigneeSchlumberger Technology Corporation
InventorsAshley Johnson, Jacques Orban
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A multi-phase fluid solution measurement and gas separation system is described. The system includes a substantially vertical fluid supply pipe that introduces the multi-phase fluid solution in a steady flow having a substantially calm and steady fluid surface to a mud-gas separation unit. The mud-gas separation unit includes measurement tools such as force sensors and level sensors to allow for a rheological model of the fluid to be calculated. The system also includes components for flaring or processing gas which separates from the multi-phase solution.
Claims26
A multi-phase fluid flow measurement system, comprising:
- a fluid supply pipe oriented in an at least partially vertical orientation, the fluid supply pipe being configured to carry a multi-phase fluid upward through the fluid supply pipe, wherein the multi-phase fluid has an upwardly-facing fluid surface;
- a transfer pipe extending laterally from the fluid supply pipe, wherein the multi-phase fluid is pressurized sufficiently to flow through the transfer pipe while the upwardly-facing fluid surface is steady and remains steady as it enters the transfer pipe;
- a barrier positioned to at least partially impede the flow of the multi-phase fluid through the transfer pipe;
- and
- a level sensor configured to measure a depth of the multi-phase fluid as it flows from the transfer pipe.
A mud-gas separation unit, comprising:
- an inlet configured to receive a steady flow of a multi-phase solution;
- a baffle having a force sensor, wherein the baffle is positioned so that the steady flow impinges upon the baffle on an area affected by the force sensor;
- a gas collection region above the inlet configured to allow gas to escape the multi-phase solution and collect in the gas collection region;
- and
- an articulating member operatively coupled to the baffle and configured to change an angle of the baffle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.