Patent · US Active

Systems and methods for monitoring annular fluid level

US11982176B2 · kind B2 · utility

0Cited by
2References
19Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 26, 2022
Grant dateMay 14, 2024
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 30, 2042

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG01F23/686
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A system for monitoring an annular fluid level may include a floating element disposed on a surface of a drilling fluid within an annulus of the well, during mud cap drilling operations. The system may also include an antenna disposed above the floating element. The antenna may be configured to transmit a first signal to the floating element, and to receive a second signal from the floating element in response to the first signal. The system may also include a processor configured to determine a time value that measures a time between a transmittal, by the antenna, of the first signal and a receipt, by the antenna, of the second signal. The processor may also determine a state of a drilling fluid level within the annulus based on the time value, and update a drilling program for the well based on the state of the drilling fluid level.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.