DE2138650A1 - Automatic measurement and maintenance of the flushing fluid in a borehole - Google Patents

Description

Please state our reference in the answer

L / p 7168

LOREN "W. LEONARD, 8345 Triola, Houston, Texas, ILSoA.

Automatic measurement and maintenance of the rinsing liquid in one Borehole.

The invention relates to a method and a device for automatically measuring and maintaining the rinsing liquid in one Borehole, in particular a method and a device for displaying the state of a borehole by controlling the fluid in the borehole during the insertion and removal of the drilling

rods in the borehole, and to obtain an early warning indication when an abnormal condition occurs in the borehole.

Boreholes are typically drilled through a geological formation from different layers. It is known that any such position exerts normal pressure on the drilling fluid in the borehole. The layers that contain flowing media e.g. gases, hydrocarbons, water, salt water, etc., can occasionally exert unusually high pressure on the drilling fluid in the borehole. The density of the flushing liquid should be

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be chosen so that a hydrostatic pressure is created, which * prevents flowing medium from the Fortnation into the bore penetrates! however, this pressure should not be so high that a breakthrough occurs in the formation.

When the pressure of the flowing media in a certain Formation layer are contained, becomes too high, or if the hydrostatic flushing fluid pressure drops significantly, penetrates the flowing medium of the formation into the borehole. Such ringing increases and pollutes the volume the drilling fluid in the borehole. In the event of a breakthrough through the formation, the drilling fluid goes to the formation lost. Loss of flushing fluid results in a reduction in the hydrostatic pressure column

If this loss becomes relatively large, she resists The pressure column of the flushing fluid no longer corresponds to the normal formation pressure. If high pressure flowing media is present in the formation, it will penetrate the borehole in this case. A migration of flushing fluid into the formation can thus prevent the flowing medium from entering the formation Borehole effect «, The penetration of small amounts of flowing Medium is known as a "kick", and the penetration of a large volume is known as a "blowout".

It was found that when drilling a borehole the larger part of the so-called "outbreaks" occurs during "heaving" (tripping), namely a movement process of a drill pipe into or out of the borehole, for example to replace drill bits, to remove obstacles, or perform logging operations, etc. The "insertion trip" is a process of inserting a volume of a solid material, e.g. pipe sleeves and collars into the borehole. The "withdrawal trip" is a process at

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that such a volume of solid material from the borehole is deducted. The "heaving" means a corresponding pulling movement, a guiding movement or both together.

Conventional pull-off lifting processes; require a visual count the number of columns of tubing moved, and the filling of the borehole to a level at which mud fluid from the borehole can drain. This method has certain disadvantages which, in extreme cases, injure the operating personnel and the oil reserves and can damage the drilling equipment and also cause serious ecological damage »in particular is this method is not sufficiently precise and, above all, subject to human error sources. For example, if a slight increase or decrease in the flushing liquid does not

or is displayed in good time, this can result in a high increase / a high loss will be »If an outbreak is to be positively averted, the increases or decreases in the flushing liquid must if possible are displayed immediately after their occurrence so that the necessary steps to rectify this error can be taken can.

The aim of the invention is therefore a method and a device to keep the drilling fluid in a borehole automatically at or near a reference value during heaving and afterwards, and an early warning of its presence an abnormal condition in the flushing liquid. Also, the level of the drilling fluid in the borehole should be continuously and automatically monitored during and after the hoisting.

According to the invention, a measurement of the volume of the solid material that is moved during each heaving, and thus the desired volume of the drilling fluid delivered into or around the borehole. Then one follows

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Measurement of the actually dispensed volume of the flushing liquid in order to return the liquid level to the reference level. The measured desired volume and the measured volume actually delivered are automatically compared with one another, and there is an indication of the condition of the flushing liquid in the borehole. If rinsing liquid after lifting is lost to the formation, flushing liquid is automatically delivered to the borehole according to a further embodiment of the invention, to restore the hydrostatic pressure column and thereby avert a possible eruption.

In a preferred embodiment of a control device for the hoisting process according to the present invention is a count of the number of tubular columns that during each hoisting process be moved. This count is multiplied by a corresponding scale range change factor, which depends on the physical properties of the tubular columns, to obtain the desired Obtain volume of the drilling fluid for the borehole. This desired volume is then compared with a measured volume of the actually dispensed rinsing liquid compared so that the The flushing liquid in the bore has reached its normal reference level. This comparison automatically results in a display of the State of the drilling fluid in the borehole.

The invention can be carried out by relatively inexperienced personnel and in a very short period of time, as a result of which both costs and possible dangers during drilling are reduced. With the present invention, it is possible that _r d ± e drilling crew can devote himself other than light work, which are those with the insertion of the SpülflUssigkeit into the borehole or by leading out the flushing fluid from the wellbore into connection.

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The invention is explained below in conjunction with the drawing using an exemplary embodiment. The figures show:

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a control device that is shown in Connection with a stripping operation is used, and

Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a control device that either can be used for a pull-off operation or an insertion-heave operation.

Control for the peeling process

1 shows a conventional one drilled through a formation 13 Borehole 11, which has a housing 10, a drill head 12, surface borehole icher ung en 14 and l6 and a connector 17 has. A drilling fluid circulating system 19 has a pump 18, the the drilling fluid in a container 22 through a fluid line 24 goes into circulation. The pump 18 is a high volume, low pressure pump as compared to a high pressure pump low volume and extremely bulky hub (not shown), x ^ ie it is used in a conventional manner to fill the borehole. A filling line 25 is via a corresponding valve 30 connected to openings 26, 27 and 29 and a control member 31. Normally, valve 30 maintains flow in line 24 through normally open drain ports 26 and 27. if the member 31 is actuated by a power line 28 closes the valve 30 the openings 26 and 27 and establishes a fluid connection between the normally closed openings 26 and 29 on.

In order to measure the volume of fluid that has been pumped and dispensed into the borehole, a fill line 25 is provided Fluid meter 32 is provided, which is preferably an electrical Emits a signal which is sent to a counter 62 via line 33

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for the dispensed volume is supplied. Such flow meters are known, for example, as magnetic or turbine flow meters.

On the derrick J> 6 , a conventional rotating table 37 and a hoisting control device 40 are attached, which is indicated in the drawing within the box shown in dashed lines. The control device 40 is preferably a digitally operating device, since it responds more quickly and. gives greater versatility. However, an analog device can be used instead of a digital device.

Above the derrick floor 36, the hoists 42 are coupled between a pull-off column 44 and a hook 46. The hook 46 is carried on a block 48 in a conventional manner. Each pipe column 44 normally has a number, for example three knitted Anger ear connectors 45 on the ο tubular columns, the drill collars and auxiliary tools together form a drill string.

To count the number of tubular columns 44 removed from block 48 are withdrawn during each hoisting process is a tubular column display device 50 provided, which indicates the withdrawal of each tubular column and a corresponding electrical or emits a pneumatic signal via a line 51; this signal then adjusts the count in a tubular column counter 52. The display device 50 is preferably on the side wall of the Derrick arranged at a distance from the bottom 36 of the derrick, which is approximately equal to the length of a tubular column. The display device 50 can be a mechanical device, an optical device with Light beam and photocells, a pneumatic device or an eMctromechanical device with microswitches to close one

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be electrical circuit after passing through each tubular column 44.

Regardless of which display device 50 is used, the Line 51 can be designed so that it has a number of signals or pulses equal to the »number of withdrawn tubular columns. This number, indicated in the drawing with three is displayed in the window of the counter 52 with 003.

"The payer 56 for the required volume., Who has an electronic, digital pest body multiplier device obtained by manual operation via a control button 57 a scale range change factor. This factor is determined from the physical parameters of the withdrawn tubular columns. The counter 56 multiplies this factor by the count of stripped columns. This count is received on a line 58 from the counter 52. The count value in the counter window 56 is the volume desired for the three columns withdrawn by block 48 »

The desired volume of liquid is the volume of the liquid which is necessary to bring the liquid level in the borehole back to a reference level 6o '. This level is determined by a normal level detector 60 which is coupled to the connector 17 is monitored. The desired volume is a volume of liquid, which is necessary to increase the volume of solid material (tubular columns) that is withdrawn from the borehole, to replace.

If the volume of liquid dispensed is equal to the desired volume and the liquid level in the connector 17 is still below the reference level 60 ¹ , the pump 18 continues to dispense liquid into the borehole, but an alarm or warning signal is triggered, as will be explained below.

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When the fluid in the borehole suddenly exceeds a high Level 6l ', shows a high level detector 61 which is connected to the Connector 17 is coupled to this rise in level of the flushing liquid and generates a warning signal.

The counter value of the dispensed volume is displayed in the window of the counter 62. Assuming a normal one Operation and one assumes a scale range change factor of 0.59, the dispensed volume is 1.77 volume units.

A comparison device 64 receives on line 66 the count value from the counter 56 for the desired volume, and on line 68 the count value from the counter 62 for the pumped volume. If the desired volume is approximately equal to the dispensed volume, the result is displayed by a display device 70 "liquid normal". If the volume dispensed is greater than the desired volume, the comparison device 64 produces an output signal to a display device 72 “liquid removal”. If the pumped volume is less than the desired volume, the comparison device 64 generates an output signal to a display device 74 for “liquid increase” or “liquid surge ¹¹ .

Before starting the pull-off lifting process, the drill master selects a suitable scale range change factor in the manner described above and feeds it into the counter 56 for the desired volume a. He also chooses the number of tubular columns that will be withdrawn and provided during each such pull-off operation counter 56 accordingly. Then the pull-off process is initiated. The column detector 50 causes the count im Column counter'52 advances by 1 after each withdrawn tubular column.

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As mentioned above, after completion of the pull-off lifting process the column detector 50 displayed three columns, the count value in the window of the counter 52 is 003, and the count value im Totalizer 56 for the desired volume is 1.77 · Following a signal from the counter 56 via a line 53 is thereon given a valve control mechanism 55 which operates the valve 30 via line 28 and a fluid flow between the openings 26 and 29 builds up. This marks the beginning the VJi eder filling processes through the flushing line 25 and the measuring process by the flow meter 32. The refilling process ends when the liquid has reached the reference level 60 '.

Assuming that refilling is normal after the flow meter 32 has measured a measured volume equal to the desired volume, the fluid level in the borehole will be at the reference level 60 ¹ as indicated by the normal level detector 60 and the normal lamp 70 v / ird operated. If the measured volume dispensed is greater than the desired volume, the comparison device 64 actuates the loss warning lamp 72. If the volume dispensed is less than the desired volume, the "shock" lamp lh is actuated.

After the liquid in the borehole has been returned to the reference level 6o ^r , the normal level detector 60 generates a signal via the line 63 to the valve control device 55 for the actuation of the valve 30, whereby the flow of liquid between the openings 26 and 29 is stopped and the flow of liquid between the openings 26 and 27 is restored. The counters 52, 56 and 62 are then ready to begin the next pull-off operation.

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If then, when the valve 30 returns to the normal state- ' has been switched, whereby liquid flows between the openings 26 and 27, a sudden increase in the liquid level should occur above the reference level 6o 'and up to level 6l', the high level detector 6l produces a signal to a warning lamp 71 via line 73 · While in the above description in particular with regard to specific components and groups, changes thereof are possible. For example The pump 18 does not necessarily have to be a circulation pump for the tank 22. Instead, a pump can be independent be used by the liquid circulation system 19 for pumping the liquid from the tank 22 into the borehole II, so that the valve 30 can then be omitted. Other valves and other volume measuring devices can also be used Measurement of the volume of the withdrawn solid material can be used.

To the understanding of the control unit shown in Fig. 2 to facilitate, the reference numerals in Figures 1 and 2 as far as the same are selected as possible. Only the components in FIG. 2 that are either new or different will be described in detail in connection with this FIG.

The pump 18 in the liquid circulation system 19 lets the liquid circulate through the tank 22 between a suction line 24 and a discharge line 23. In addition to valve 30 is now a further valve 80 with openings 82, 83 and 84 and a control element 8l are provided. The flow meter 32 is in a Line between openings 29 and 83 switched on. The fill line 25 and a return line 34 connect the connector 17 with openings 82 and 84.

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While in Fig. 1 the detector 6l served as a high level detector, ■ in Fig. 2 the detector 6l is used as a low level detector, The "valve control unit 55 now has three input lines 53 * and 73 and two output lines 28 and 85.

Pull-off process

In order to explain the withdrawal path of the control device 40 in FIG. 2, assume that counter 52 counts one column and that the volume of the liquid displaced through a tubular column is the fourth 0.59. The scale range change factor, which is introduced by the adjustment button 47 is 0.59 · The counter 56 counts 059 and gives a signal over the line 53 to the valve control unit · 55 · The latter gives a signal via the line 28 to the valve element 31 and further a Signal via line 85 to valve element 8l. The valve 30 builds a flow of liquid between the openings 27 and 29, the valve 80 has one between the openings 82 and 83. The flow of flushing liquid then runs from the tank 22 Via the pump 18, the delivery line 23, the valve 30, the measuring device 32, the valve 80 and the filling line 25.

When the liquid level in the connector 17 rises to the reference level 60 ', the detector 60 transmits a signal to the Valve control device 55 via line 73 · This signal causes the valve control device 55 to regulate the flow of liquid between the openings 82 and 83 as well as between openings 27 and 29 interrupts. The volume of liquid dispensed, which is measured by the measuring device 32, is displayed in the window of the counter 62 for Display brought. Assume a normal drilling operation in which there is a decrease or increase in the volume of the irrigation fluid in occurs in the borehole and for the numbers previously given, the counter 82 indicates the value 059. The comparison device 64 compares the counts in counters 56 and 62 and gives signals

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to lamps 70, 72 and 74 in connection with the control unit according to Fig. 1 described V / eise.

Einführhievvorgang

When the control device of FIG. 2 is used in the insertion heave mode, each tubular column 44 that is lowered into the borehole is again brought to the display by the detector 50. The counter 56 indicates the volume of liquid which corresponds to the volume of the solid material which is introduced into the borehole. After the counter 52 counts a column, the counter 56 inputs. Command signal via line 53 to valve control unit 55. The latter then builds a flow of liquid between the openings 83 and 84 of the valve 80 and between the openings 26 and 29 of the valve 30.

While flushing liquid is released from the tank 22 into the borehole 11 in the pull-off heave method, in the heave-in process Mud fluid is discharged from the borehole 11 into the tank 22. The volume of mud fluid that flows from the borehole in flowing through the tank 22 is in turn determined by the flow meter 32 measured.

With the introduction of the solid material into the borehole, the level of the drilling fluid in the connection piece I7 rises above the reference level 60 '. The delivery of the drilling fluid from the borehole is therefore continued until the level of the fluid in the connection piece 17 falls ^{to the reference level 60 1.} The detector 60 then transmits a signal via the line 73 to the valve control device 55 which stops the flow of liquid between the openings 82, 83 and the openings 26, 29.

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The volume of fluid dispensed from the wellbore into tank 22, as measured by meter 32, is counted by the meter 62 counted. The counts in counters 56 and 62 become again compared by the comparator 6 $, and the results These comparisons are again displayed by lamps 70, 72 and 74.

Automatic maintenance of the flushing liquid level.

In addition to being used as a hoisting control device, the arrangement of FIG. 2 can automatically control the level of the drilling fluid in the borehole above a minimum level 61 'as indicated by the low level detector 71 is displayed. When the flushing liquid level falls below a level 6l 'during this automatic operation, a command signal is generated by the detector 6l given via line 63 to valve control unit 55. The latter then enables a flow of liquid between the openings 27, 29 and the openings 82, 83. In this way, liquid flows from the delivery line 23 into a filling 25 and after down into borehole 11.

This current is continued until the level of the flushing liquid in the connection piece I7 is raised again to the minimum level 61 ¹ . The detector 61 then influences the valve control device 55 in such a way that it stops the flow of liquid between the openings 27 and the openings 82 and 83.

Here, too, it is again true that the hoisting control device 40 according to FIG is only an embodiment and changes within the framework of the present invention are possible.

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Claims (11)

7/30/1971 W / He - l4 - L / p 7168 claims; 1. Procedure for displaying the condition of a borehole Control of the drilling fluid in the borehole during heaving and to provide an early warning of an abnormal condition in the borehole, characterized in that a) from the volume of solid materials that are shifted during each hoisting process, a desired volume Drilling fluid is measured, b) that a measured volume of drilling fluid is dispensed so that the drilling fluid in the borehole is at a reference level is returned, c) that the desired volume is compared with the measured volume will, and d) that signals obtained from method step c) indicate the state of the borehole. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the measured volume is measured by a flow meter. ~ 5. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the desired volume is measured by counting the number of units of solid materials which are moved and multiplying the count by a scale range change factor which depends on the physical properties of the units depends on the solid material. 4. The method according to claim 1 or one of the following, characterized in that the reference level is monitored in the borehole, so that a first control signal is generated and that the first control signal is used to determine the measured volume. 20981Q / 1134 7/30/1971 W / He - 15 - L / p 7168 5 · Method according to claim 1 or one of the following, characterized characterized in that a level is monitored in the borehole which is below the reference level, darrifc a second control signal is generated, and that this second signal is used to initiate the delivery of the drilling fluid into the borehole, whereby the level of the flushing liquid above a desired minimum level is held. 6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that the • inflow of the drilling fluid is terminated after the introduction by the second control signal when the level of the flushing fluid reaches the reference level. 7 · Arrangement for determining the condition of a borehole by controlling the drilling fluid in the wellbore during heaving, and providing an early warning indication of an abnormal one State in the borehole, in particular for carrying out the method according to claims 1-6, characterized by a device (56) for measuring a desired volume of the rinsing liquid corresponding to a volume of solid materials that ■? © the
are moved during a / hoisting process, a device (32, 62) for delivering a measured volume of flushing fluid in order to return the flushing fluid to a reference level (6o ^! ) In the borehole, and a device with a comparison circuit (64) for comparing the desired volume with the measured volume in order to achieve the early warning indication. S. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the borehole has a connection piece 0-7), and that the reference level (60 ^! ) In this connection piece is monitored (6o). 9. Device according to claim 7 > characterized in that the dispensing device has a flow meter (32). 209810/1134 7/30/1971 W / He - ΐβ - L / p 7l68 10. Device according to claim 9> characterized in that the measuring device has a first counter (52) for counting the units of the fixed, moving materials and a second
A counter (56) responsive to the first counter, the second counter giving an indication of the desired volume. 11. Device according to one of claims 7-10, characterized in that a circulating pump (L8) is provided for dispensing the liquid, which is the circulation system for the rinsing liquid
assigned. 209810/1134 L e rs e i-t e