Method and apparatus for measurement of fluid flow in a drilling rig return line
US4754641A · kind A · utility
25Cited by
6References
27Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 10, 1987 |
| Grant date | Jul 5, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 10, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01F1/663
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An improved method and apparatus is disclosed for use in a return line system of a drilling rig to determine a volumetric fluid flow rate and, therefore, to aid in detecting a kick in a well. The apparatus comprises an ultrasonic level sensor, an ultrasonic Doppler velocity sensor and a digital computer electrically coupled to the level sensor and the Doppler velocity sensor to determine the fluid flow regime in the return line system. The flow regime is determined by the programmed computer to accurately determine the volumetric fluid flow rate in the return line system in real time, during drilling operations.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.