Module (device) “drilling mud analyzer” for continuous monitoring of technological parameters of drilling fluids

Introduction. Despite the widespread use of automation, digitalization, remote control and monitoring systems, including video monitoring, at various stages of oil and gas projects, technologies from the second half of the last century are still used in some drilling operations. First of all, this applies to the system for monitoring the technological parameters of drilling fluids. In the article, the authors present the main results of the technological project “Flow”, the implementation of which makes it possible to automate this process.

Aim. The purpose of the project is to develop the equipment for continuous monitoring of drilling mud parameters. It will help to reduce drilling risks such as: gas oil and water inflow, unsatisfactory cleaning of the well, contamination of drilling mud and others.

Materials and methods. Analysis of commercial products presented on the market shows, that most of the devices have limited list of registered parameters of drilling mud. Therefore, it cannot fully provide the necessary level of drilling mud control and makes impossible of use remote monitoring mode. In addition, the supply of foreign high-tech products is limited by the sanctions regime.

Results. As part of the project, a significant amount of research was carried out. Scientist hypotheses were verified. The list of measured characteristics is determined and the basic physical principles of measurements, methods and sampling mechanism are experimentally confirmed. The R&D work accepted successfully. Conclusion. Experimental work carried out in operational conditions at drilling rig proves the performance of technology. Mass implementation of this equipment in the Gazprom neft will start in 2024.

1. Lakhtionov S.V., Chumakov I.S., Filinkov S.G., Chukin D.M., Ishmetyev E.N. Complexes for continuous monitoring of drilling fluid parameters during drilling // PRONEFT. Professionally about oil, 2021, no.3, pp. 141–151 (In Russ.)

2. API recommended practice 13D sixth edition, may 2010 Rheology and Hydraulics of Oil-well Fluids. American Petroleum Institute, 2010.

3. Patent US 10859481B2, Systems and methods for determining a fluids characteristic, Inventors: Eric van Oort, Karimi Vajargah.