RU2784875C2 - Automated analysis of drilling mud - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: drilling.

SUBSTANCE: system contains a channel for a drilling mud, a chamber for a drilling mud, communicating with the channel for a drilling mud, a rheology sensor communicating with the chamber for a drilling mud, and an electrical temperature adjuster communicating with the chamber for a drilling mud. The chamber for a drilling mud is cooled in response to the first control signal from the electrical temperature adjuster.

EFFECT: possibility of determination, whether a drilling mud is functioning in a proper way, and introduction of any required changes during drilling.

17 cl, 8 dwg

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] When drilling a wellbore, drilling fluids are pumped into the center of the drill string. The drilling fluid exits the drill string at the bit attachment site through nozzles and travels back up the wellbore annulus to the surface drilling equipment. Drilling fluids provide lubrication and cooling during the drilling process. In addition, the drilling fluid carries cuttings out of the wellbore, regulates pressure in the wellbore, and performs a number of other functions associated with drilling the wellbore. To ensure the suitability of drilling fluid properties, a drilling fluid engineer constantly checks the properties of the drilling fluid. For example, the viscosity of the drilling fluid must be high enough to carry cuttings out of the wellbore, yet low enough to allow cuttings and entrained gas to exit the drilling fluids at the surface. Depending on the operation, a drilling fluid engineer may check the properties of the drilling fluid several times in a 24 hour period.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF GRAPHICS

[0002] The accompanying drawings illustrate a number of exemplary embodiments of the invention and are part of this description. Together with the following description, these drawings demonstrate and explain the various principles of the present invention.

[0003] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example solution analysis apparatus in accordance with the present invention.

[0004] In FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of an example of the internal components of a solution analysis apparatus in accordance with the present invention.

[0005] FIG. 3 illustrates a detailed view of the solution chamber of the solution analysis device in accordance with the present invention.

[0006] FIG. 4 illustrates an example user interface of a solution analysis device in accordance with the present invention.

[0007] FIG. 5 is a diagram of a system for temperature control of solution samples in accordance with the present invention.

[0008] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a method for automated analysis of solution samples at various temperatures in accordance with the present invention.

[0009] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of the components of a solution analysis device with a side loop for controlling the temperature of a density measurement solution in accordance with the present invention.

[0010] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of the components of a solution analysis device without a density sensor in accordance with the present invention.

[0011] Although the embodiments of the invention described herein are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, the exemplary embodiments of the invention described herein should not be limited to the specific forms disclosed. Instead, this invention embraces all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The drilling fluid circulates down the drill string, from the nozzles in the drill bit, and then up the annulus of the wellbore. The drilling fluid can be used to remove cuttings from the bottom of a wellbore. During the drilling operation, the physical properties of the drilling fluid are monitored to determine if the drilling fluid is functioning properly and to make any required changes during the drilling process.

[0013] Drilling fluid analyzes may measure the physical characteristics of the drilling fluid, such as the rheological properties of the fluid. The rheological properties analyzes may be carried out using a rheological sensor such as a viscometer, rheometer, or other type of sensor. These analyzes may be carried out on site in the wellbore, in a laboratory, or elsewhere. The solution analysis apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 can sequentially perform a series of drilling fluid analyzes without further user input between analyzes. Other types of fluid property analyzes that can be performed with the fluid analysis device 100 include measurements of drilling fluid specific gravity, rheology, density, water-oil content, emulsion electrical stability, fluid conductivity, and solids particle size distribution. Based on the principles described in this invention, solution analysis device 100 can automatically perform at least one or more analyzes of properties of a solution at various temperatures.

[0014] The solution analysis device 100 may include a housing 102, a user interface 104, and a sampling vessel receiver 106. A drilling fluid sample may be taken from the circulating drilling fluid or from another location into the sampling vessel 108 . The sampling vessel 108 may be connected to the sampling vessel receptacle 106 . The fluid conduit can be suspended from the sample vessel receptacle 106 and immersed in a drilling fluid sample when the sample vessel 108 is connected to the sample vessel receptacle 106 . The pump can actively transport at least a portion of the drilling fluid sample from the sampling vessel 108 to the fluid analysis device 100, in which analyzes can be performed.

[0015] The sampling vessel 108 may be attached to the sampling vessel receptacle 106 via any suitable type of interface device. In some examples, the receptacle 106 of the sampling vessel has an internal thread that can engage with the external threads of the sampling vessel 108. In other examples, the sampling vessel 108 is fixed in place, held in place by compression, otherwise engaged with the sampling vessel receptacle 106, or otherwise connected to the sampling vessel receptacle 106 by some other type of attachment.

[0016] The user interface 104 may allow the user to instruct the solution analysis device 100 to perform analyses. In some examples, the fluid analysis device 100 presents options for analyzing a drilling fluid sample through the user interface 104. In some cases, the user may specify the types of analyzes to be performed, as well as the parameters for performing those types of analyses. For example, the user may instruct the fluid analyzer 100 to perform multi-temperature viscosity analysis via the user interface 104. The user may also specify the desired temperatures for these analyzes via the user interface 104.

[0017] Any type of user interface 104 may be used in accordance with the principles described in this invention. In some cases, the user interface 104 is a touch screen accessible from the body 102 of the device 100 for analyzing the solution. In this type of example, the user may touch the touch screen to enter information and give commands to the device 100 to analyze the solution. In other examples, solution analysis device 100 may include a wireless receiver, wherein a user can provide information and/or transmit commands wirelessly to solution analysis device 100. For example, a user may communicate information and/or issue commands using a mobile device, electric tablet, laptop, network device, desktop computer, computing device, other type of device, or combinations thereof. In examples where the user may communicate with the solution analysis device 100 wirelessly, the user may be on site or the user may be in a remote location. In some cases, the mud engineer may be at a remote location off site and the field technician may fill the sample vessel 108 for the mud engineer so that the mud engineer does not have to be on site to analyze the mud and give recommendations. In yet another example, the user interface 104 may include a keyboard, mouse, button, dial, switch, slider, other type of physical input mechanism, or combinations thereof, to assist the user in entering information or instructing the solution analysis device 100. In some cases, the solution analysis device 100 may include a microphone or camera that allows a user to transmit audio information to the solution analysis device 100 and/or communicate with the solution analysis device 100 via hand movements/gestures.

[0018] After entering information and sending a command to the solution analysis device 100 to initiate analyzes, the solution analysis device 100 can perform analysis without further user intervention. When one or another analysis is completed, the solution analysis device 100 can automatically switch from one type of analysis to another. In addition, the fluid analysis device 100 can automatically adjust the temperature of the drilling fluid sample between analyzes without user intervention. It is not uncommon for the drilling fluid to be analyzed after it has been circulated through the drill string in a hot wellbore environment. In circumstances where it is desirable to analyze the drilling fluid at a temperature below the current drilling fluid temperature, the drilling fluid should be cooled prior to analysis. The fluid analysis device 100 can lower the temperature of the drilling fluid sample and free the user for other tasks.

[0019] FIG. 2 and 3 illustrate a diagram of an example of the internal components of a solution analysis apparatus 100 in accordance with the present invention. In FIG. 3 shows in detail a portion of the internal components illustrated in FIG. 2. In this example, the solution analysis device 100 includes a sample vessel receiver 106, a pump 200, a solution channel 204, a density sensor 216 connected to the solution channel 204, a solution chamber 218, and a rheology sensor 220 connected to the chamber 218. for solution.

[0020] The sampling vessel receiver 106 may be any suitable attachment to the outside of the fluid analysis apparatus 100 to which the sampling vessel 108 may be attached and which includes a mechanism for removing a drilling fluid sample 230 from the sampling vessel 108 . In the illustrated example, a portion of the mud channel 204 is suspended from the sampling vessel receptacle 106 at such a distance that the inlet 206 is immersed in the drilling fluid sample 230 when the sampling vessel 108 is attached. A filter 202 is connected to the fluid or drilling fluid passage 204 and surrounds the inlet 206 so that solids and/or unwanted debris cannot enter the mud passage 204.

[0021] The first portion 210 of the mud passage 204 connects the inlet 206 to the pump 200. The pump 200 may be used to draw at least a portion of the drilling fluid sample 230 from the sampling vessel 108 into the mud passage 204. In some examples, pump 200 is a peristaltic pump. However, any suitable type of pump may be used in accordance with the principles described in this invention.

[0022] The second part 212 of the solution channel 204 may connect the solution channel 204 to the pump 200 and the density sensor. In some cases, the pump 200 is higher than the density sensor 216. In this type of example, the pump 200 may discharge the mud sample 230 and cause the mud sample 230 to move under gravity towards the density sensor 216 . In other examples, the pump 200 may actively push the drilling fluid sample 230 through the density sensor 216 .

[0023] Any suitable type of density sensor 216 can be used. In one example, the density sensor 216 may be a Coriolis density sensor that measures a characteristic of the drilling fluid sample 230 as the fluid passes through it. Coriolis density sensors can measure the movement/vibration of the internal components of the density sensor. These movements can be measured as the mud sample 230 passes through the density sensor 216 . This vibration frequency is related to the density of the drilling fluid sample.

[0024] The third part 214 of the solution channel 204 connects the solution channel 204 from the density sensor 216 to the solution chamber 218. The mud chamber 218 may include a chamber wall 236 that defines an opening 242. An outlet 208 of the mud chamber 218 may terminate in an opening 242 of the mud chamber 218 and direct a drilling fluid sample 230 into the mud chamber 218.

[0025] The level sensor 222 may signal the pump 200 to stop pumping mud into the sample 230 when the mud level 232 is at the appropriate height. Any suitable type of level sensor 222 may be used. A non-exhaustive list of level sensors that may be used include ultrasonic sensors, solution conductivity sensors, capacitive sensors, inductive sensors, microwave sensors, laser sensors, float switches, heat flow switches, hydrostatic pressure sensors, radar sensors, magnetostrictive sensors, optical sensors , load cells, other types of sensors, time-of-flight sensors, other types of sensors, or combinations thereof.

[0026] Although each of the aforementioned level sensors may be used in some applications, many of the aforementioned level sensors may not be as effective as other types of sensors for certain types of drilling fluids. In some examples, a thermal dispersion level sensor is built into the mud chamber 218 and may be effective for a wide range of different types of drilling fluids. The thermal dispersion level sensor can be effective in determining the level of the fluid, regardless of the dielectric strength of the fluid, the tendency to create optically observable disturbances, and other characteristics of drilling fluids that make it difficult to determine the level.

[0027] The thermal dispersion method is commonly used to measure the flow characteristics of a solution. Typically, solutions are colder when they are flowing rather than when they are in a static state. Typically, the thermal dispersion method analyzes the temperature of the solution to determine the flow rate or other characteristic of the solution. In examples where the thermal dispersion method is used in the solution analysis device 100, the thermal dispersion method can be redirected to determine the level 232 of the solution.

[0028] Thermal dispersion level determination can be performed by actively moving the drilling fluid sample 230 as it enters the fluid chamber 218 and measuring temperature differences at various heights along the fluid chamber 218. In some examples, the rotor 248 may cause the mud sample 230 to rotate within the mud chamber 218 as it fills. The rotation of the mud sample 230 caused by the rotor 248 can create a cooling effect on the portions of the chamber wall 236 that are in direct contact with the mud. The solution level 232 can be determined by comparing temperature differences along the wall of the solution chamber and determining the solution level 232 at the height at which the temperature difference occurs.

[0029] In the example of FIG. 2 and 3, the level sensor 222 includes a first level indicator 224, a second level indicator 226, and a third level indicator 228. In some cases, each of the first level indicator 224, the second level indicator 226, and the third level indicator 228 are thermal dispersion level indicators. In other examples, at least one of these indicators is a different type of sensor. In the case of those level indicators that are thermal level indicators, each of them may contain two or more level thermometers that detect the temperature of the chamber wall 236, the temperature near the outside of the chamber wall 236, the temperature near the inside of the chamber wall 236, or combinations thereof. All level thermometers of the level indicator can be next to each other, but at different heights. When the lower of the two thermometers detects a different temperature than the higher thermometer, the level indicator may send a signal to stop pump 200. This temperature difference may indicate that the level of solution 232 is between the lower and upper thermometers.

[0030] The second level indicator 226 can be used as a backup if the first level indicator 224 is not working properly. In this situation, the second level indicator 226 may cause a signal to be transmitted to stop the pump 200.

[0031] A third level indicator 228 may be used to indicate that the solution level 232 is too high. In some examples, the rheology sensor 220 or other components of the fluid analysis device 100 are integrated into the fluid chamber 218 above the fluid operating level 234. If the fluid level 232 becomes too high, the drilling fluid sample 230 may enter these components and interfere with their operation. In one such example, the rotational direction finder of the viscometer may be above the operating mud level 234 in the mud chamber 218, and if the mud level 232 is above the operating mud level, a drilling fluid sample 230 may enter the rotary DFs. In some cases, the rotational direction finders of a viscometer are fine-tuned to give accurate measurement readings. Drilling mud entering these finely tuned direction finders can cause the viscometer measurement to be inaccurate. When activated, the third level indicator 228 may cause a message to be sent to the user that the equipment needs to be checked before continuing with the assays. In some examples, the third level indicator 228 may also provide a signal to stop the pump 200.

[0032] In the example of FIG. 2 and 3, the rheology sensor 220 is a viscometer. The rheology sensor 220 may include a rotor 248 that is suspended in an opening 242 of the fluid chamber 218 for contact and/or dipping into the drilling fluid sample 230 when the fluid chamber 218 is full. In some examples, the rotor 248 is an outer cylinder that rotates around a balance bar (not shown) that is in the inner cylinder. The mud sample 230 fills the annulus between the rotor 248 and the balance bar. When activated, the rotor 248 rotates at known speeds and creates a shear stress on the balance bar through the mud sample 230. The torsion spring restrains the movement of the balance bar and measures the shear stress. The viscometer can run analyzes at any suitable rotor speed (rpm or rpm). In some cases, analyzes are performed at 600, 300, 200, 100, 6 and 3 rpm.

[0033] An electrical temperature controller may communicate with the solution chamber 218. Any suitable type of electrical temperature controller may be used in accordance with the principles described in this invention. In some examples, the electrical temperature controller includes a thermoelectric material 256 (eg, a thermoelectric device) that has the characteristic of generating an electric current in response to a temperature difference. The thermoelectric material 256 may have a first side 258 in contact with the outer surface 238 of the solution chamber 218. In some cases, the thermoelectric material 256 has a second side 260 that is opposite the first side 258 and in contact with the heat sink 268.

[0034] The thermoelectric material 256 may be part of an electrical circuit that can pass an electrical current through the thermoelectric material 256 to simultaneously create both a heating zone 262 and a cooling zone 264 within the thermoelectric material 256. A polarity switch may be included in the circuit to reverse the direction passing an electric current through the thermoelectric material 256. When an electric current passes through the thermoelectric material 256 in the first direction, a heating zone 262 is created adjacent to the solution chamber 218, and a cooling zone 264 is created adjacent to the heat sink 268. When the heating zone 262 is actively created adjacent to the chamber 218 for the solution, the electric temperature controller actively heats the solution chamber 218. In some cases, when a heating zone 262 is provided adjacent to the mud chamber 218, the temperature of the mud chamber is raised to a higher temperature, or the temperature of the mud chamber may be maintained at the desired temperature for analysis of the drilling fluid sample 230. In situations where an electric current passes through the thermoelectric material 256 in a second direction opposite to the first direction, a heating zone 262 is created adjacent to the solution chamber 218, and a heating zone 262 is created adjacent to the heat sink 268. In those situations where the cooling zone 264 is actively created near the mud chamber 218, the temperature of the mud sample is reduced to a lower temperature, or the temperature of the mud sample can be maintained at the desired temperature for analysis of the mud sample 230.

[0035] The temperature of the zone 262 heating and zone 264 cooling can be controlled using a pulse-width modulator. The pulse width modulator can turn an electrical circuit on and off at a frequency that creates an average current flow. The longer the pulse-width modulator causes electric current to flow through the thermoelectric material 256, as compared to the periods when the flow of electric current stops, the higher the total power supplied to the thermoelectric material 256, which leads to a higher temperature in the heating zone 262 and more low temperature in the zone 264 cooling. The temperature difference between the heating zone 262 and the cooling zone 264 can be reduced by increasing the time periods during which electric current does not flow through the thermoelectric material 256. The pulse width modulator can cause the thermoelectric material 256 to heat or cool the solution chamber 218 in a controlled manner. to each of the required temperatures for each of the analyzes to be performed with the solution chamber 218.

[0036] The solution chamber 218 may be made of a thermally conductive material that spreads the temperature generated by the first side 258 of the thermoelectric material 256. In these embodiments, the solution chamber 218 is made of aluminum, however, the solution chamber 218 may be made of other types. heat-conducting materials. A non-exhaustive list of thermally conductive materials that can be used to make solution chamber 218 includes aluminum, copper, gold, magnesium, beryllium, tungsten, other metals, mixtures thereof, alloys thereof, or combinations thereof. In some instances, the solution chamber 218 is made entirely of a material that has a substantially constant thermal conductivity. In other examples, the inner surface of the wall 236 of the chamber is lined with a material with a different thermal conductivity than the materials that make up the other part of the chamber 218 for solution.

[0037] The contact surface 240 of the outer surface 238 of the solution chamber 218 that is adjacent to the thermoelectric material 256 may have a smooth surface roughness that is in thermal contact with the thermoelectric material 256. In some examples, the contact surface 240 comprises a polished surface. In addition, in some embodiments of the invention, the contact surface 240 has a more polished coating than other areas of the outer surface 238 of the solution chamber 218. The polished coating of the contact surface 240 can reduce gaps between the thermoelectric material 256 and the outer surface 238 of the solution chamber 218. In some examples, a thermally conductive paste may be used to fill gaps between contact surface 240 and thermoelectric material 256. Even in examples where contact surface 240 has a polished finish, contact surface 240 may still have small gaps that can minimize heat transfer between thermoelectric material 256 and solution chamber 218, and a thermally conductive paste may be used in these examples to enhance heat transfer. .

[0038] The outer surface 238 of the solution chamber 218 may be at least partially surrounded by an insulating layer 244. The insulating layer 244 may minimize exposure to environmental conditions that might otherwise heat or cool the solution chamber 218. For example, the insulating layer 244 may prevent the solution chamber 218 from heating or cooling the ambient temperature outside the solution chamber 218 above or below the desired temperature for rheological analysis. In some cases, the insulating layer 244 may prevent condensation from forming outside the mud chamber 218, which may cause undesirable cooling of the mud chamber 218 when the temperature of the mud sample 230 is increased or an attempt is made to maintain a higher temperature of the mud sample 230.

[0039] The mud chamber 218 may include at least one mud thermometer 250 that measures the temperature of a drilling fluid sample 230. The mud chamber 218 may also include at least one equipment thermometer 252 that can measure the temperature of at least one piece of equipment associated with the drilling fluid sample 230. For example, equipment thermometer 252 may measure the temperature of the material forming solution chamber 218. Measuring the temperature of the solution chamber material can prevent the solution chamber 218 from overheating.

[0040] Heat sink 268 may be made of a thermally conductive material and include heat transfer plates 270 that increase the surface area of heat sink 268. Heat transfer plates 270 may be used for heat exchange with a fluid such as air or liquid. In examples where heat zone 262 is provided on second side 260, heat generated by heat zone 262 may be distributed throughout heat sink 268 and transferred through heat transfer plates 270 to the fluid. In some cases, fan 272 is positioned adjacent to heat sink 268 to cause air to flow through heat exchange plates 270 to increase the rate at which heat is dissipated into the air. In other examples, water or another type of liquid may pass over the heat exchange plates 270 as a fluid. In this example, the fluid does not come into contact with the solution chamber 218, but instead comes into contact with the heat transfer plates 270 of the heat sink 268.

[0041] FIG. 4 illustrates an example user interface 104 of a solution analysis device 100 in accordance with the present invention. In this example, the user interface 104 provides a format by which a user can instruct the solution analysis device 100 to perform analyses. In this example, the specified format contains sample source options 400 for selecting a drilling fluid sample source 230, temperature setpoint options 402 for each of the runs, and duration options 404 for each of the runs. In addition, the user interface 104 provides controls for transmitting commands to the solution analysis device 100.

[0042] In this example, the user is provided with five temperature setpoints for analysis. While the illustrated example shows five different temperatures for conducting analyses, any suitable temperature values may be presented to the user, and any suitable number of temperature setpoints may be presented.

[0043] In the illustrated example, analysis duration periods are illustrated as a ten second option or a ten minute option. But any appropriate duration of the analysis can be represented in accordance with the principles disclosed in this document. In addition, any suitable number of analysis duration options 404 may be presented through the user interface 104.

[0044] Although in the example of FIG. 4 shows a format that provides a limited number of options that the user can select, in other examples the format presents open fields in which the user can enter values for temperature, duration of analyzes, or other parameters of the analysis. In addition, some examples may allow the user to add any number of analyzes to be performed by the solution analysis device 100.

[0045] The controls provided in the illustrated example include a start command 406, a stop command 408, a repeat command 410, and a reset command 412. The user can select the start command 406 when he or she wants to start running the assays. In some examples, in response to the transmission of start command 406, solution analysis device 100 performs each of the analyzes in sequence without the need for additional user interaction. In some examples, the analysis execution sequence includes performing the first analysis at the lowest selected temperature setpoint, and performing the second analysis at the second lowest selected temperature setpoint, and so on until the final analysis is performed at the highest selected temperature setpoint.

[0046] FIG. 5 is a diagram of a system 500 for analyzing drilling fluid samples. System 500 includes a processor 515, an I/O controller 520, a memory 525, a user interface 526, a polarity switch 530, a rheology sensor 535, and an electrical temperature controller 540. These components can communicate wirelessly, through wired connections, or combinations of both. The system memory 525 may include an analysis temperature determiner 545, a temperature controller 550, a temperature verifier 555, an analysis initiator 560, and an analysis completion determiner 565. The temperature controller 550 includes a pulse width modulator 570 and a polarity switch 575.

[0047] The processor 515 may comprise an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), programmable logic device, discrete logic component or transistorized logic component, discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof). In some cases, processor 515 may be configured to operate on a memory array using a storage controller. In other cases, the storage controller may be integrated into the processor 515. The processor 515 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in the storage device to perform various functions (eg, functions or tasks that support evaluating given optical devices).

[0048] The I/O controller 520 may represent or interact with a modem, keyboard, mouse, touch screen, or the like. In some cases, I/O controller 520 may be implemented within a processor. In some cases, the user may interact with the system through the I/O controller 520 or through hardware components controlled by the I/O controller 520. I/O controller 520 may communicate with any suitable input and any suitable output.

[0049] The storage device 525 may include random access memory (RAM) and read only memory (ROM). The storage device 525 may contain computer-readable, computer-executable software containing instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to perform the various functions described herein. In some instances, storage device 525 may include, among other things, a basic input/output system (BIOS) that may control the basic operation of the hardware and/or software, such as interaction with peripheral components or devices.

[0050] The assay temperature determiner 545 provides programmed instructions that cause the processor 515 to determine the temperature at which the assay should be performed. In some examples, the temperature of the analysis is determined by accessing information entered by the user in the user interface.

[0051] The temperature controller 550 provides programmed instructions that direct the processor 515 to control the temperature of the drilling fluid sample. Part of the temperature control process may include determining the current temperature of the drilling fluid sample and determining whether the desired temperature is higher or lower for the next analysis of the current temperature of the drilling fluid sample. Based on whether the temperature of the drilling fluid sample should be increased or decreased, the polarity switch 575 may cause the processor 515 to instruct the polarity switch 530 to direct electrical current through the thermoelectric material in the appropriate direction. The pulse width modulator 570 may instruct the electrical temperature controller 540 to control the amount of electric current passing through the thermoelectric material. When the mud sample temperature is actively changing, the pulse width modulator 570 can cause the signal strength to exceed the signal strength intended only to maintain the temperature of the drilling fluid sample at the current temperature for analysis.

[0052] The temperature verifier 555 provides programmed instructions that cause the processor 515 to determine the current temperature of the drilling fluid sample. This information may be consulted by the temperature controller 550 to determine when to change the signal strength from the active mud sample temperature change level to the mud sample temperature maintenance level.

[0053] Analysis initiator 560 provides programmed instructions that cause processor 515 to perform analysis with rheology sensor 535. The analysis initiator 560 may also refer to the information provided by the temperature verifier 555 to determine if the mud sample temperature is at the appropriate temperature level to perform the analysis.

[0054] The analysis completion determiner 565 provides programmed instructions that cause the processor 515 to determine when the analysis is completed. In some examples, the analysis completion determiner 565 sends a signal to the temperature controller when the analysis is completed at the first temperature. In response, the temperature controller 550 may start the process of changing the temperature of the drilling fluid sample for the next analysis at a different desired temperature.

[0055] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a method 600 for automated analysis of solution samples at various temperatures in accordance with the present invention. In this example, the method 600 includes: supplying 605 a drilling fluid sample to a fluid chamber 605, receiving instructions 610 to analyze the drilling fluid sample at two or more temperatures, adjusting 615 the temperature of the drilling fluid sample to the first temperature of the two or more temperatures throughout the mud chamber with an electric temperature controller, 620 analysis of the drilling fluid sample at the first temperature using the rheology sensor built into the mud chamber, automatic adjustment of the 625 temperature of the drilling fluid sample to the second temperature after completion of the analysis at the first temperature with the electric temperature controller and analyzing 630 the mud sample at the second temperature with the rheology sensor. At least some of the parts of this method can be performed in accordance with the principles described in this invention.

[0056] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of the components of a solution analysis apparatus 100 with a side loop 800 for controlling the temperature of a density measurement solution in accordance with the present invention. In the illustrated example, a side loop 800 is included in the solution analysis device 100. A second pump 806 and a density sensor 216 are included in the side loop 800. The second pump 806 may cause a portion of the mud sample 230 to enter the side loop 800 from the mud chamber 218 when the mud temperature is at a desired temperature for analyzing the density of the mud sample 230.

[0057] In some examples, the user interface presents the user with options for performing a rheological analysis of the drilling fluid sample 230, analyzing the density of the drilling fluid sample 230, or combinations thereof. The user can instruct the fluid analysis device 100 to analyze the drilling fluid at the same temperature at which the rheology sensor 220 analyzes the drilling fluid sample 230. In other examples, the density of the mud sample 230 may be analyzed at a temperature that is different from at least one of the analyzes conducted by the rheology sensor 220. In some cases, an electrical heating controller brings the temperature of the drilling fluid sample 230 to the temperature of the analyzes performed by either the rheology sensor 220, the density sensor 216, another type of sensor built into the fluid chamber 218, or combinations thereof. In the example of FIG. 8, solution analysis device 100 does not include a density sensor 216 in accordance with the present invention.

[0058] While it has been described above that the fluid analysis device includes a sampling vessel receiver coupled to a sampling vessel containing a drilling fluid sample, in some examples, the sampling vessel receiver is not included in the fluid analysis apparatus. For example, the user may pour a drilling fluid sample into a reservoir built into the fluid analysis device. In some instances where a mud sample enters a fluid analysis device, a filter may be included in the reservoir outlet to filter out sand, drill cuttings, other types of solids, or combinations thereof. In some cases, the user may pour a drilling fluid sample directly into a fluid chamber connected to a viscometer or other rheology sensor.

[0059] In one embodiment, the system includes a solution channel, a solution chamber in communication with the solution channel, a rheology sensor in communication with the solution chamber, and an electrical temperature controller in communication with the solution chamber. The solution chamber is cooled in response to a first control signal from the electrical temperature controller.

[0060] The method includes: receiving commands to analyze a drilling fluid sample at two or more temperatures, bringing the temperature of the drilling fluid sample to the first temperature of two or more temperatures using an electrical temperature controller, analyzing the drilling fluid sample at the first temperature using a fluid property sensor, automatically bringing the temperature of the drilling fluid sample to a second temperature after completion of the analysis at the first temperature by means of an electric temperature controller, and analyzing the drilling fluid sample at the second temperature.

[0061] The device comprises a solution chamber, wherein the solution chamber has a chamber wall and an opening defined by the chamber wall. The device also includes a rheology sensor in communication with the solution chamber. The rheology sensor comprises a rotor protruding into the opening, the rotor being maintained at some depth within the opening to contact the solution sample when the solution chamber is filled with solution to an operating level. In addition, the device includes at least one thermal dispersion sensor that detects the level of the solution sample when the rotor causes the solution sample to move inside the solution chamber, and an electrical temperature controller in communication with the solution chamber, which is configured to control the temperature of the solution sample inside the chamber. for solution.

[0062] The above description, for the purpose of explanation, is given with reference to specific embodiments of the invention. However, the above illustrative explanations are not meant to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above ideas. Embodiments of the invention are selected and described in such a way as to best explain the principles of these systems and methods, as well as their practical application, to thereby enable other specialists in the art to make the best use of the present systems and methods, as well as various implementation options. inventions with various modifications that may be suitable for the particular intended application.

[0063] Unless otherwise indicated, it is to be understood that the singular terms used in the specification and claims mean "at least one of". In addition, for ease of use, the words "comprising" and "having" used in the description and claims are interchangeable and have the same meaning as the word "comprising". In addition, it should be understood that the term "based" as used in the description and claims means "based on at least".

Claims (62)

1. A drilling fluid analysis system, comprising: solution channel; a solution chamber in communication with the solution channel; a rheology sensor in communication with the solution chamber; an electrical temperature controller in communication with the solution chamber; the solution chamber being cooled in response to a first control signal from the electrical temperature controller, the electrical temperature controller including a thermoelectric material that creates both a heating zone and a cooling zone. 2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the solution chamber is heated in response to a second control signal from an electric temperature controller. 3. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that the polarity of the second control signal is opposite to the polarity of the first control signal. 4. The system of claim. 1, further comprising a density sensor in communication with the channel for the solution. 5. The system according to claim 4, further comprising: solution channel inlet; and a solution channel outlet in communication with the solution chamber; while the density sensor is located between the inlet and outlet. 6. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the electric temperature controller contains a pulse-width modulator for controlling the power of the signal sent through the thermoelectric material. 7. The system according to claim. 1, characterized in that the electric temperature controller contains a heat sink that communicates with the thermoelectric material. 8. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: a polarity switch in communication with the thermoelectric material; wherein, when the polarity switch directs electricity in the first direction through the thermoelectric material, a heating zone is created on the first side of the thermoelectric material, and a cooling zone is created on the second side of the thermoelectric material; wherein, when the polarity switch directs electricity in a second direction opposite to the first direction through the thermoelectric material, a heating zone is created on the second side of the thermoelectric material, and a cooling zone is created on the first side of the thermoelectric material. 9. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: CPU; a storage device in communication with the processor, wherein the processor contains programmed instructions for: receiving input to analyze a solution sample in the solution chamber with a rheology sensor at two or more different temperatures; bringing the temperature of the sample solution to the first temperature of the two or more different temperatures using an electrical temperature controller; analyzing a solution sample with a rheology sensor at a first temperature; automatically bringing the temperature of the sample solution to the second of two or more different temperatures using an electrical temperature controller; and analysis of a solution sample using a rheology sensor at a second temperature. 10. The system of claim. 1, further comprising at least one level sensor built into the solution chamber. 11. The system according to claim 10, characterized in that at least one level sensor is a thermal dispersion sensor. 12. The system of claim. 1, further comprising an insulating layer covering the outer surface of the solution chamber. 13. A method for analyzing a drilling fluid, including: receiving commands to analyze a drilling fluid sample at two or more temperatures; adjusting the temperature of the drilling fluid sample to a first temperature of the two or more temperatures using an electrical temperature controller; analyzing a drilling fluid sample at a first temperature with a mud property sensor; automatically bringing the temperature of the drilling fluid sample to a second temperature after completion of the analysis at the first temperature using an electric temperature controller; and analysis of a drilling fluid sample at a second temperature; moreover, bringing the temperature of the drilling fluid sample to the first temperature or the second temperature includes applying a control signal to the thermoelectric material in thermal contact with the drilling fluid sample. 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: supplying a drilling fluid sample to the fluid chamber; and determination of the drilling fluid level inside the mud chamber using a thermal dispersion sensor built into the mud chamber. 15. Device for the analysis of drilling mud, containing: solution chamber, wherein the solution chamber comprises: - chamber wall; and - hole defined by the wall of the chamber; a rheology sensor in communication with the solution chamber, the rheology sensor further comprising: - a rotor protruding into the hole; wherein the rotor is maintained at a certain depth inside the hole for contact with the solution sample when the solution chamber is filled with solution to the working level; at least one thermal dispersion sensor detecting the level of the solution sample when the rotor causes the solution sample to move within the solution chamber; an electrical temperature controller in communication with the solution chamber configured to control the temperature of the solution sample within the solution chamber; wherein electrical temperature controller additionally contains: a thermoelectric material that creates both a heating zone and a cooling zone; a first side of the thermoelectric material in contact with the outer surface of the solution chamber; and the second side of the thermoelectric material in contact with the heat sink. 16. The device according to claim 15, characterized in that the thermoelectric material has the characteristic: creating a heating zone adjacent to the solution chamber and creating a cooling zone adjacent to the heat sink in response to the first control signal passing through the thermoelectric material; and creating a heating zone adjacent to the heat sink and creating a cooling zone adjacent to the solution chamber in response to a second control signal passing through the thermoelectric material when the polarity of the second control signal is opposite to the polarity of the first control signal. 17. The device according to claim 15, further comprising: CPU; a storage device in communication with the processor, wherein the processor contains programmed instructions for: receiving input data for analyzing a solution sample in the solution chamber with a rheology sensor at a plurality of temperatures; automatically bringing and maintaining the temperature of the sample solution to each of the specified set of temperatures; and automatically analyzing a solution sample with a rheology sensor at each of said plurality of temperatures.

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