WO2012061872A1 - Sample analyser - Google Patents

Sample analyser Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2012061872A1
WO2012061872A1 PCT/AU2011/001422 AU2011001422W WO2012061872A1 WO 2012061872 A1 WO2012061872 A1 WO 2012061872A1 AU 2011001422 W AU2011001422 W AU 2011001422W WO 2012061872 A1 WO2012061872 A1 WO 2012061872A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fluid
measuring instrument
flow
exposure
measuring
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2011/001422
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Christian Robert Maurice Singfield
Original Assignee
Mezurx Pty Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2010904959A external-priority patent/AU2010904959A0/en
Application filed by Mezurx Pty Ltd filed Critical Mezurx Pty Ltd
Publication of WO2012061872A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012061872A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N1/00—Sampling; Preparing specimens for investigation
    • G01N1/02—Devices for withdrawing samples
    • G01N1/10—Devices for withdrawing samples in the liquid or fluent state
    • G01N1/16—Devices for withdrawing samples in the liquid or fluent state with provision for intake at several levels
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F1/00—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow
    • G01F1/76—Devices for measuring mass flow of a fluid or a fluent solid material
    • G01F1/78—Direct mass flowmeters
    • G01F1/80—Direct mass flowmeters operating by measuring pressure, force, momentum, or frequency of a fluid flow to which a rotational movement has been imparted
    • G01F1/84—Coriolis or gyroscopic mass flowmeters
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N11/00—Investigating flow properties of materials, e.g. viscosity, plasticity; Analysing materials by determining flow properties
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
    • G01N33/26—Oils; Viscous liquids; Paints; Inks
    • G01N33/28—Oils, i.e. hydrocarbon liquids
    • G01N33/2823—Raw oil, drilling fluid or polyphasic mixtures

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to measuring devices that are used to make measurements of the properties of slurries or the like.
  • the present invention is particularly applicable to apparatus and processes for the handling of slurries such as drilling muds.
  • Drilling muds are usually water based, but they can be based on other liquids such as synthetic oils. Additives are mixed with the liquid base. Common additives to water based drilling muds include solids such as barite, chalk (calcium carbonate) and haematite.
  • solids such as barite, chalk (calcium carbonate) and haematite.
  • physical or chemical characteristics such as (for example) conductivity, pH, density or flow-rate of the slurry.
  • the apparatus which is being used to measure those physical characteristics becomes clogged with solids material from the slurry. This can cause the measuring instruments to give inaccurate readings. There are also other events that can cause measuring instruments to give inaccurate readings.
  • the present invention provides apparatus for measuring at least one characteristic of a first fluid, the apparatus comprising:
  • At least one measuring instrument which is adapted:
  • the means for exposing the at least one measuring instrument to a flow of a second fluid subsequent to the exposure to the first fluid comprises:
  • a manifold comprising a plurality of inlet ports and at least one outlet port; and a sampling pump, the sampling pump:
  • the means for exposing the at least one measuring instrument to the flow of the first fluid exposes that at least one measuring instrument to the flow of an aliquot part of the flow of the first fluid.
  • the means for exposing the at least one measuring instrument to the flow of the second fluid comprises a spray nozzle which is adapted to provide a spray of the second fluid.
  • the first fluid is a slurry, and more preferably a drilling mud.
  • the at least one measuring instrument which is adapted for exposure to a flow of the first fluid comprises a Coiiolis meter which is adapted to measure at least one of the density and the viscosity of the first fluid. It is particularly preferred that the Coiiolis meter is adapted to measure both the density and the viscosity of the first fluid.
  • the means for exposing the at least one measuring instrument to a flow of a second fluid provides that flow of fluid to an internal chamber of the Coiiolis meter.
  • the apparatus further comprises control means which is adapted to; control the exposure of the at least one measuring instrument to the first fluid; and at a time when the at least one measuring instrumeM is not exjjosed to me first fluid, to expose the at least one measuring instrument to the flow of the second fluid.
  • control means for controlling the exposure of the at least one measuring instrument to the first fluid comprises means for controlling at least one valve which drains the first fluid from the vicinity of the at least one measuring instrument
  • control means for controlling the exposure of the at least one measuring instrument to the first fluid comprises means for controlling at least one valve which drains the first fluid from a chamber which is within the at least one measuring instrument
  • the at least one measuring instrument is cyclically exposed to the flow of me second fluid.
  • the at least one measuring instrument is cyclically exposed to the flow of the second fluid as the consequence of at least one predetermined event
  • the at least one predetermined event comprises a deterioration in the performance of the at least one measuring instrument.
  • the present invention provides a process for measuring at least one characteristic of a first fluid, which process uses apparatus which comprises:
  • At least one measuring instrument which is adapted:
  • the process comprising:
  • the step of exposing the at least one measuring instrument to the flow of the first fluid comprises:
  • first fluid is a slurry, and more preferably a drilling mud.
  • the at least one measuring instrument which is adapted for exposure to a flow of the first fluid comprises a Coriolis meter which is adapted to measure at least one of:
  • the Coriolis meter is adapted to measure bom the density and the viscosity of the first fluid.
  • the at least one measuring instrument is exposed to the flow of fluid by providing a flow of fluid to an internal chamber of the at least one measuring instrument
  • the apparatus further comprises control means which is adapted to: control the exposure of the at least one measuring instrument to the first fluid; and at a time when the at least one measuring mstrument is not exposed to the first fluid, to expose the at least one measuring instrument to the flow of the second fluid.
  • control means for controlling the exposure of the at least one measuring instrument to the first fluid comprises means for controlling at least one valve which drains the first fluid from the vicinity of the at least one measuring instrument
  • control means for controlling the exposure of the at least one measuring instrument to the first fluid comprises means for controlling at least one valve which drains the first fluid from a chamber which is within the at least one measuring instrument
  • the at least one measuring instrument is cyclically exposed to the flow of the second fluid. It is preferred that the at least one measuring instrument is cyclically exposed to the flow of the second fluid as the consequence of at least one predetermined event
  • the at least one predetermined event comprises a deterioration in the performance of the at least one measuring instrument
  • figure 1 is a drawing, partly in cross-section on a vertical plane and partly schematic, illustrating one embodiment of apparatus according to the present invention.
  • figure 2 is a schematic drawing illustrating details of a module of the embodiment of figure 1. Description of preferred embodiments of the invention
  • the embodiment 1 of figure 1 comprises a tank 2 and an analysis and control module 32.
  • the tank 2 is illustrated as comprising a hemispherical base and an upstanding cylindrical portion which has an open top 5.
  • a mixing impeller 3 is mounted to operate within the tank 2.
  • the impeller 3 is mounted on a shaft 4 which is in turn driven, directly or indirectly, by a variable speed motor 6.
  • the tank 2 has an outlet 7 and an inlet which is illustrated schematically by the open top 5 of the tank 2. Fluid flows from the outlet 7 of the tank 2, is utilized in a process (such as for dri in an oil or gas prospecting bore) and flows back into the tank 2. Flow out from the tank 2 is indicated schematically by the arrowed line 8 and inflow to the tank is illustrated schematically by the arrowed line 9.
  • the cylindrical portion of the tank 2 has a number of tapping points 13, 14, 16, 17 and 18 which pass through the tank wall and which are adapted to allow sampling of the tank contents.
  • the tapping points 13, 14, 16, 17 and 18 are each mounted at a different height relative to the tank 2.
  • Pneumatically-controlled, normally-closed, valves 26, 27, 28, 29 and 31 are mounted to the tapping points 13, 14, 16, 17 and 18 respectively.
  • the outlets of the valves 26, 27, 28, 29 and 31 communicate with flow lines 19, 21, 22, 23 and 24 respectively and the flow lines commxmicate with the analysis and control module 32.
  • the opening of a valve 26, 27, 28, 29 or 31 allows flow of fluid from the tank 2 to the analysis and control module 32 for purposes described below.
  • Signal and control lines 34, 36, 37, 38 and 39 run between the analysis and control module 32 and the valves 26, 27, 28, 29 and 31 over which those valves are controlled by the analysis and control module 32.
  • a return-flow line 41 runs from the analysis and control module 32 back to the tank 2.
  • the analysis and control module 32 comprises a manifold 51 , a sampling pump 52, a measuring instrument package S3, a data-logging and display unit 56 and a processor 54.
  • the manifold 51 receives the flow lines 19, 21, 22, 23 and 24.
  • the manifold SI is also connected to the inlet of the sampling pump 52 and the outlet of sampling pump 52 is connected to the measuring package 53.
  • the return-flow line 41 is connected to a fluid outlet of the measuring package 53.
  • Signal and control lines 61, 62 and 63 connect the processor 54 with the sampling pump 52, the measuring instrument package 53 and the data-logging and display module 56.
  • Signal and control lines 34, 36, 37, 38 and 39 connect the processor 54 with the valves 26, 27, 28, 29 and 31.
  • communications over the signal and control lines 34, 36, 37, 38, 39, 61, 62 and 63 are acconling to the ' ⁇ Field Communication Protocol Specifications" which are available from HART
  • the measuring instrument package 53 comprises a density meter and other
  • the density meter is a Coriolis meter which measures both density and viscosity.
  • the other isinstrumentation comprises instruments for me-tsuring pH, temperature, and other characteristics.
  • slurry passes through internal chambers in the instrument.
  • the instrument is preferably configured as a probe and the slurry passes over external surfaces of the instrument.
  • the instrument package 53 comprises the following.
  • Each spray nozzle is supplied with a flow of liquid which is in turn controllable by the processor 54
  • Each spray nozzle is orientated so that fluid spraying from it washes the probes which are in contact with the drilling mud.
  • apparatus In operation, apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention is placed so that the out-flow line 8 from the tank 2 supplies fluid to the environment in which it is required For example, in the field of well-drilling, such apparatus is placed in the mud loop and the tank 2 contains drilling mud.
  • Solid materials contained in suspension in drilling mud tends to settle out under the influence of gravity. This settling out tends to cause the mud that is towards the bottom of the tank to have a higher density that does the mud that is towards the top of the tank.
  • the characteristics of drilling mud also vary as material (fine solids and/or liquids such as water or petroleum products) from the bore hole becomes entrained in it
  • the mixing impeller 3 is rotated under the control of a variable speed motor 6. This rotation of the mixing impeller 3 causes up-welling, and so mixing, of the contents of the tank 2. When the mud is homogeneously mixed, the density of the mud is uniform through the height of the tank.
  • the processor 54 accordingly actuates valves 26, 27, 28, 29 and 31 and the sample pump 52 to draw samples of the drilling mud from different heights in the tank 2 to the measuring instrument package 53 where the density of each sample is measured.
  • the speed of rotation of the variable speed drive motor 12 is controlled by the processor 54 so that, if the mud is not homogenously mixed, then the speed of the motor is increased (and accordingly the speed of rotation of the mixing impeller 3 is increased) to achieve homogeneity.
  • the speed of the impeller 3 is subsequently similarly controlled to maintain homogeneity of the mud.
  • the speed of rotation of the variable speed drive motor 12 is controlled manually to achieve homogeneity of the drilling mud.
  • the processor 54 also monitors the performance of the Coriolis meter and other instrumentation that is in the instrument package 53.
  • the instrument package 53 is cyclically taken "off-line" and the instrumentation is cleaned. That is, the chamber in which the Coriolis meter and other instrumentation is located is drained of drilling mud by operation of valving which is controlled by the processor 54 and that drilling mud is drained back into the tank 2. Also under control of the processor 54, the instruments ware washed with liquid. Preferred mechanisms for washing the probes include:
  • the processor 54 initiates such washing or flushing of the mstrumentation when the performance of that instrumentation is deteriorating.
  • the processor 54 also controls the data-logging and display unit 56 to log data relating to the operation and/or to display that data in human-readable form.
  • each dependent claim is to be read as being within the scope of its parent claim or claims, in the sense that a dependent claim is not to be interpreted as infringed unless its parent claims are also infringed.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Biochemistry (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
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  • Measuring Volume Flow (AREA)

Abstract

Measuring instruments which measure chemical or physical characteristics of a slurry such as drilling mud are taken offline and washed with a solvent.

Description

Title
Sample analyser Field of the invention
The present invention relates to measuring devices that are used to make measurements of the properties of slurries or the like.
Background of the invention
The present invention is particularly applicable to apparatus and processes for the handling of slurries such as drilling muds. Drilling muds are usually water based, but they can be based on other liquids such as synthetic oils. Additives are mixed with the liquid base. Common additives to water based drilling muds include solids such as barite, chalk (calcium carbonate) and haematite. Typically in the course of the handling of slurries it is necessary to measure physical or chemical characteristics such as (for example) conductivity, pH, density or flow-rate of the slurry. Given the nature of a slurry, a liquid carrying solid material, it happens that the apparatus which is being used to measure those physical characteristics becomes clogged with solids material from the slurry. This can cause the measuring instruments to give inaccurate readings. There are also other events that can cause measuring instruments to give inaccurate readings.
Summary of the invention
Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention provides apparatus for measuring at least one characteristic of a first fluid, the apparatus comprising:
at least one measuring instrument which is adapted:
for exposure to the first fluid; and
for measuring the at least one characteristic of the first fluid; means for exposing the at least one measuring instrument to the flow of the first fluid; and
means for exposing the at least one measuring instrument to a flow of a second fluid subsequent to the exposure to the first fluid. It is preferred that the means for exposing the at least one measuring instrument to the flow of the first fluid comprises:
a manifold comprising a plurality of inlet ports and at least one outlet port; and a sampling pump, the sampling pump:
- comprising an inlet connected to the at least one outlet port of the manifold; and
being adapted to supply the first fluid to the measuring instrument
It is preferred that the means for exposing the at least one measuring instrument to the flow of the first fluid exposes that at least one measuring instrument to the flow of an aliquot part of the flow of the first fluid.
It is preferred that the means for exposing the at least one measuring instrument to the flow of the second fluid comprises a spray nozzle which is adapted to provide a spray of the second fluid.
It is preferred that the first fluid is a slurry, and more preferably a drilling mud.
It is preferred that the at least one measuring instrument which is adapted for exposure to a flow of the first fluid comprises a Coiiolis meter which is adapted to measure at least one of the density and the viscosity of the first fluid. It is particularly preferred that the Coiiolis meter is adapted to measure both the density and the viscosity of the first fluid.
It is preferred that the means for exposing the at least one measuring instrument to a flow of a second fluid provides that flow of fluid to an internal chamber of the Coiiolis meter.
It is preferred that the apparatus further comprises control means which is adapted to; control the exposure of the at least one measuring instrument to the first fluid; and at a time when the at least one measuring instrumeM is not exjjosed to me first fluid, to expose the at least one measuring instrument to the flow of the second fluid.
It is preferred that the control means for controlling the exposure of the at least one measuring instrument to the first fluid comprises means for controlling at least one valve which drains the first fluid from the vicinity of the at least one measuring instrument
It is preferred that the control means for controlling the exposure of the at least one measuring instrument to the first fluid comprises means for controlling at least one valve which drains the first fluid from a chamber which is within the at least one measuring instrument
It is preferred that the at least one measuring instrument is cyclically exposed to the flow of me second fluid.
It is preferred that the at least one measuring instrument is cyclically exposed to the flow of the second fluid as the consequence of at least one predetermined event
It is preferred that the at least one predetermined event comprises a deterioration in the performance of the at least one measuring instrument.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a process for measuring at least one characteristic of a first fluid, which process uses apparatus which comprises:
at least one measuring instrument which is adapted:
for exposure to the first fluid; and
for measuring the at least one characteristic of the first fluid, the process comprising:
exposing the at least one measuring instrument to a flow of a second fluid subsequent to the exposure to the first fluid.
It is preferred that the step of exposing the at least one measuring instrument to the flow of the first fluid comprises:
supplying the first fluid to one input of a manifold which comprises a plurality of inlet ports and at least one outlet port; and
pumping the first fluid from the at least one outlet port of the manifold to the measuring instrument.
It is preferred that the at least one measuring mstrument is exposed to the flow of the second fluid by spraying the second fluid. It is preferred that first fluid is a slurry, and more preferably a drilling mud.
It is preferred that the at least one measuring instrument which is adapted for exposure to a flow of the first fluid comprises a Coriolis meter which is adapted to measure at least one of:
the density of the first fluid; and
the viscosity of the first fluid; and
the flow rate of the first fluid.
It is particularly preferred that the Coriolis meter is adapted to measure bom the density and the viscosity of the first fluid.
It is preferred that the at least one measuring instrument is exposed to the flow of fluid by providing a flow of fluid to an internal chamber of the at least one measuring instrument
It is preferred that the apparatus further comprises control means which is adapted to: control the exposure of the at least one measuring instrument to the first fluid; and at a time when the at least one measuring mstrument is not exposed to the first fluid, to expose the at least one measuring instrument to the flow of the second fluid.
It is preferred that the control means for controlling the exposure of the at least one measuring instrument to the first fluid comprises means for controlling at least one valve which drains the first fluid from the vicinity of the at least one measuring instrument
It is preferred that the control means for controlling the exposure of the at least one measuring instrument to the first fluid comprises means for controlling at least one valve which drains the first fluid from a chamber which is within the at least one measuring instrument
It is preferred that the at least one measuring instrument is cyclically exposed to the flow of the second fluid. It is preferred that the at least one measuring instrument is cyclically exposed to the flow of the second fluid as the consequence of at least one predetermined event
It is preferred that the at least one predetermined event comprises a deterioration in the performance of the at least one measuring instrument
It will accordingly be seen that at least some embodiments of the present invention provide apparatus or processes which can improve the reliability of performance of measuring instruments.
Brief description of the drawings
So that the present invention may be more readily understood, preferred embodiments of it are described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
figure 1 is a drawing, partly in cross-section on a vertical plane and partly schematic, illustrating one embodiment of apparatus according to the present invention; and
figure 2 is a schematic drawing illustrating details of a module of the embodiment of figure 1. Description of preferred embodiments of the invention
Structure
The embodiment 1 of figure 1 comprises a tank 2 and an analysis and control module 32.
The tank 2 is illustrated as comprising a hemispherical base and an upstanding cylindrical portion which has an open top 5. A mixing impeller 3 is mounted to operate within the tank 2. The impeller 3 is mounted on a shaft 4 which is in turn driven, directly or indirectly, by a variable speed motor 6. The tank 2 has an outlet 7 and an inlet which is illustrated schematically by the open top 5 of the tank 2. Fluid flows from the outlet 7 of the tank 2, is utilized in a process (such as for dri in an oil or gas prospecting bore) and flows back into the tank 2. Flow out from the tank 2 is indicated schematically by the arrowed line 8 and inflow to the tank is illustrated schematically by the arrowed line 9. The cylindrical portion of the tank 2 has a number of tapping points 13, 14, 16, 17 and 18 which pass through the tank wall and which are adapted to allow sampling of the tank contents. The tapping points 13, 14, 16, 17 and 18 are each mounted at a different height relative to the tank 2. Pneumatically-controlled, normally-closed, valves 26, 27, 28, 29 and 31 are mounted to the tapping points 13, 14, 16, 17 and 18 respectively. The outlets of the valves 26, 27, 28, 29 and 31 communicate with flow lines 19, 21, 22, 23 and 24 respectively and the flow lines commxmicate with the analysis and control module 32. The opening of a valve 26, 27, 28, 29 or 31 allows flow of fluid from the tank 2 to the analysis and control module 32 for purposes described below. Signal and control lines 34, 36, 37, 38 and 39 run between the analysis and control module 32 and the valves 26, 27, 28, 29 and 31 over which those valves are controlled by the analysis and control module 32.
A return-flow line 41 runs from the analysis and control module 32 back to the tank 2. The analysis and control module 32 comprises a manifold 51 , a sampling pump 52, a measuring instrument package S3, a data-logging and display unit 56 and a processor 54. The manifold 51 receives the flow lines 19, 21, 22, 23 and 24. The manifold SI is also connected to the inlet of the sampling pump 52 and the outlet of sampling pump 52 is connected to the measuring package 53. The return-flow line 41 is connected to a fluid outlet of the measuring package 53.
Signal and control lines 61, 62 and 63 connect the processor 54 with the sampling pump 52, the measuring instrument package 53 and the data-logging and display module 56. Signal and control lines 34, 36, 37, 38 and 39 connect the processor 54 with the valves 26, 27, 28, 29 and 31.
According to particularly preferred embodiments of the invention, communications over the signal and control lines 34, 36, 37, 38, 39, 61, 62 and 63 are acconling to the 'ΉΑΚΤ Field Communication Protocol Specifications" which are available from HART
Communication Foundation, 9390 Research Boulevard, Suite 1-350, Austin, Texas, USA.
The measuring instrument package 53 comprises a density meter and other
instrumentation for measuring physical and chemical characteristics of the fluid.
Preferably, the density meter is a Coriolis meter which measures both density and viscosity. Preferably the other isinstrumentation comprises instruments for me-tsuring pH, temperature, and other characteristics. In the case of the Coriolis meter, slurry passes through internal chambers in the instrument. In the case of instruments for measuring characteristics such as pH or temperature, the instrument is preferably configured as a probe and the slurry passes over external surfaces of the instrument.
In addition to such instrumentation, the instrument package 53 comprises the following.
• At least one spray nozzle. Each spray nozzle is supplied with a flow of liquid which is in turn controllable by the processor 54 Each spray nozzle is orientated so that fluid spraying from it washes the probes which are in contact with the drilling mud.
• Ducting and associated valving which allows the draining of slurry from the chamber in which the instruments are mounted.
• Ducting and associated valving which allows the flushing of water or other solvent through the chamber in which the instruments are mounted.
• Ducting and associated valving which allows the supply of water or other solvent through the internal chamber of the Coriolis meter.
Operation
In operation, apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention is placed so that the out-flow line 8 from the tank 2 supplies fluid to the environment in which it is required For example, in the field of well-drilling, such apparatus is placed in the mud loop and the tank 2 contains drilling mud.
Solid materials contained in suspension in drilling mud tends to settle out under the influence of gravity. This settling out tends to cause the mud that is towards the bottom of the tank to have a higher density that does the mud that is towards the top of the tank. The characteristics of drilling mud also vary as material (fine solids and/or liquids such as water or petroleum products) from the bore hole becomes entrained in it
To ensure homogeneity of the drilling mud before that mud is pumped underground, the mixing impeller 3 is rotated under the control of a variable speed motor 6. This rotation of the mixing impeller 3 causes up-welling, and so mixing, of the contents of the tank 2. When the mud is homogeneously mixed, the density of the mud is uniform through the height of the tank.
The processor 54 accordingly actuates valves 26, 27, 28, 29 and 31 and the sample pump 52 to draw samples of the drilling mud from different heights in the tank 2 to the measuring instrument package 53 where the density of each sample is measured.
These density measurements are then compared to determine whether or not the mud in the tank 2 is homogenous. To maintain homogeneity of this mud, the speed of rotation of the variable speed drive motor 12 is controlled by the processor 54 so that, if the mud is not homogenously mixed, then the speed of the motor is increased (and accordingly the speed of rotation of the mixing impeller 3 is increased) to achieve homogeneity. The speed of the impeller 3 is subsequently similarly controlled to maintain homogeneity of the mud. According to alternative preferred embodiments of the invention, the speed of rotation of the variable speed drive motor 12 is controlled manually to achieve homogeneity of the drilling mud.
The processor 54 also monitors the performance of the Coriolis meter and other instrumentation that is in the instrument package 53. According to some preferred embodiments of the invention, the instrument package 53 is cyclically taken "off-line" and the instrumentation is cleaned. That is, the chamber in which the Coriolis meter and other instrumentation is located is drained of drilling mud by operation of valving which is controlled by the processor 54 and that drilling mud is drained back into the tank 2. Also under control of the processor 54, the instruments ware washed with liquid. Preferred mechanisms for washing the probes include:
for instruments which are in the form of probes, directing a spray of liquid from the spray nozzles and liquid is flushed liquid through a chamber in which the probes are mounted; and
for the Coriolis meter, flushing fluid through it
This is washing is done with the intent of minimizing or eliminating the build-up of material on that instrumentation. Preferred liquids for flushing or washing include water and other solvents. According to other preferred embodiments of the invention, the processor 54 initiates such washing or flushing of the mstrumentation when the performance of that instrumentation is deteriorating. The processor 54 also controls the data-logging and display unit 56 to log data relating to the operation and/or to display that data in human-readable form.
While the present invention has been described with reference to a few specific embodiments, the description is illustrative of the invention and is not to be construed as limiting the invention. Various modifications may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Comprises/comprising" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.
In the claims, each dependent claim is to be read as being within the scope of its parent claim or claims, in the sense that a dependent claim is not to be interpreted as infringed unless its parent claims are also infringed.

Claims

claims defining the invention are as follows:
Apparatus for measuring at least one characteristic of a first fluid, the apparatus comprising:
at least one measuring instrument which is adapted:
for exposure to the first fluid; and
for measuring the at least one characteristic of the first fluid;
means for exposing the at least one measuring instrument to the flow of the first fluid; and
means for exposing the at least one measuring instrument to a flow of a second fluid subsequent to the exposure to the first fluid.
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , in which the means for exposing the at least one measuring instrument to the flow of the first fluid comprises:
a manifold comprising a plurality of inlet ports and at least one outlet port; and
a sampling pump, the sampling pump:
comprising an inlet connected to the at least one outlet port of me manifold; and
being adapted to supply the first fluid to the measuring instrument.
Apparatus as claimed m, claim 1 or claim 2, in which the means for exposing the at least one measuring instrument to the flow of the first fluid exposes that at least one measuring instrument to the flow of an aliquot part of the flow of the first fluid.
Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the means for exposing the at least one measuring instrument to the flow of the second fluid comprises a spray nozzle which is adapted to provide a spray of the second fluid. 5. Apparatus as claimed m any one of the preceding claims, m wMchmc first fluid a slurry.
6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5, in which the slurry is drilling mud. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the at least one measuring instrument which is adapted for exposure to a flow of the first fluid comprises a Coriolis meter which is adapted to measure at least one of the density and the viscosity of the first fluid.
Apparatus as claimed in claim 7, in which the Coriolis meter is adapted to measure both of the density and the viscosity of the firstfluid.
Apparatus as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8, in which the means for exposing the at least one measuring instrument to a flow of a second fluid provides that flow of fluid to an internal chamber of the Coriolis meter.
Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising control means which is adapted to:
control the exposure of the at least one measuring instrument to the first fluid; and
at a time when the at least one measuring instrument is not exposed to the first fluid, to expose the at least one measuring instrument to the flow of the second fluid.
Apparatus as claimed in claim 10, in which the control means for controlling the exposure of the at least one measuring instrument to the first fluid comprises means for controlling at least one valve which drains the first fluid from the vicinity of the at least one measuring instrument
Apparatus as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11, in which the control means for controlling the exposure of the at least one measuring instrument to the first fluid comprises means for controlling at least one valve which drains the first fluid from a chamber which is within the at least one measuring instrument.
Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12, in which the at least one measuring instrument is cyclically exposed to the flow of the second fluid. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, in which the at least one measuring instrument is cyclically exposed to the flow of the second fluid as the consequence of at least one predetermined event
Apparatus as claimed in claim 14, in which the at least one predetermined event comprises a deterioration in the performance of the at least one measuring instrument
A process for measuring at least one characteristic of a first fluid, which process uses apparatus which comprises:
at least one measuring instrument which is adapted:
for exposure to the first fluid; and
for measuring the at least one characteristic of the first fluid, the process comprising:
exposing the at least one measuring instrument to a flow of a second fluid subsequent to the exposure to the first fluid.
A process as claimed in claim 16, in which the step of exposing the at least one measuring instrument to the flow of the first fluid comprises:
supplying the first fluid to one input of a manifold which comprises a plurality of inlet ports and at least one outlet port; and
pumping the first fluid from the at least one outlet port of the manifold, to trie measuring instrument
A process as claimed in claim 16 or claim 17, in which the at least one measuring instrument is exposed to the flow of an aliquot part of the flow of the first fluid
A process as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 18, in which the at least one measuring instrument is exposed to the flow of the second fluid by spraying the second fluid
A process as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 19, in which the first fluid is a slurry. A process as claimed in claim 20, in which the slurry is drilling mud.
A process as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 21, in which the at least one measuring instrument which is adapted for exposure to a flow of the first fluid comprises a Coriolis meter which is adapted to measure at least one of*
the density of the first fluid;
the viscosity of the first fluid; and
the flow rate of me first fluid.
A process as claimed in claim 22, in which the Coriolis meter is adapted to measure both of the density and the viscosity of the first fluid.
A process as claimed in claim 22 or claim 23, in which the at least one measuring instrument is exposed to the flow of fluid by providing a flow of fluid to an internal chamber of the at least one measuring instrument.
A process as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 24, in which the apparatus further comprises control means which is adapted to:
control the exposure of the at least one measuring instrument to the first fluid; and ' at a time when the at least one measuring instrument is not exposed to the first fluid, to expose the at least one measuring instrument to the flow of the second fluid,
A process as claimed in claim 25, in which the control means for controlling the exposure of the at least one measuring instrument to the first fluid comprises means for controlling at least one valve which drains the first fluid from the vicinity of the at least one measuring instrument
A process as claimed in claim 25 or claim 26, in which the control means for controlling the exposure of the at least one measuring instrument to the first fluid comprises means for controlling at least one valve which drains the first fluid from a chamber which is within the at least one measuring instrument A process as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 27, in which the at least one measuring instrument is cyclically exposed to the flow of the second fluid.
A process as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 28, in which the at least one measuring instrument is cyclically exposed to the flow of me second fluid as the consequence of at least one predetermined event
A process as claimed in claim 29, in which the at least one predeteirnined event comprises a deterioration in the performance of the at least one measuring instrument.
Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, substantially as described with reference to the drawings.
A process as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 30, substantially as described with reference to the drawings.
PCT/AU2011/001422 2010-11-08 2011-11-08 Sample analyser WO2012061872A1 (en)

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AU2010904959A AU2010904959A0 (en) 2010-11-08 Sample Analyzer
AU2011903768A AU2011903768A0 (en) 2011-09-14 Sample Analyzer
AU2011903768 2011-09-14

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EP3396351A1 (en) * 2017-04-26 2018-10-31 Furio Travegli Device, system and method for directly sampling a liquid of a tank

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