Annulus mud flow rate measurement while drilling and use thereof to detect well dysfunction
US7950451B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 10, 2009 |
| Grant date | May 31, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 17, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B47/08
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Methods and apparatus are described that combine a measurement of the physical velocity of material within the annulus of a well between the drill pipe and the wall of the well with a measurement of the area of the flow as determined from a measurement of distance between the drill pipe and the wall of the hole to determine the actual material volumetric flow rate. Changes in volumetric flow rate at one or more points along the well can be used to determine the occurrence and location of well dysfunctions. This knowledge can then be used to make decisions about treating well dysfunctions which will lead to more efficient use of drilling rig time.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.