New Concept Flow Sensor for Drilling Operations

There has been much discussion over the years on the importance of an accurate flow sensor for drilling operations. In my career, this has been my 'holy grail search' for the last 40 years. Currently, there are two main systems in use for this vital measurement; a flow paddle that operates on the concept of fluid hitting an intrusive paddle in the flow line and flow is estimated by the deflection of that paddle, and a much more accurate Coriolis meter.

From https://www.flowcontrolnetwork.com, Coriolis flowmeters are named after Gaspard Gustave de Coriolis, a French mathematician, and engineer. In 1835, Coriolis wrote a paper in which he described the behavior of objects in a rotating frame of reference. While this is sometimes called the Coriolis Force, it is more accurately called the Coriolis Effect, since it is not the result of a force acting directly on the object, but rather the perceived motion of a body moving in a straight line over a rotating body or frame of reference. Most of us in the industry call the flow paddle that has been in use for at least the last 50 years a 'random number generator' if not installed properly.

A study was done where over 90 SPE papers over the history were analyzed looking at kick detection and it was found that Texas RRC listed 1418 well control events on their web site dating from 1936 to 2018.?Only one state!

From SPE #189701 in 2018 by BP states that all attempts to provide early kick detection solutions over the years all have their merits but that “many of them share one common weakness in that they rely to a certain extent on the accuracy and reliability of the surface sensors and meters, which with a few exceptions have changed little in approximately 50 years”.

Thus my search for an accurate, reliable, little/no interference with the rig and reasonably priced. I think I have found it. While at a major Service Company working on new technology, I ran across this company where we worked together to develop such a system. Funding was cut by my company but the manufacturer continued on. It is now available. Here are the details:

More important than these impressive numbers, this system is the ONLY measurement system on the market that actually can detect ZERO flow, alarm when that occurs, and more important, alarm when that changes. This is a game-changing technology for safety and efficiency. Some important and differentiating things this system accomplishes:

·????????Inexpensive

·????????Visual Verification allows operators an unparalleled view into the?process

·????????Non-contact

·????????Direct Measurement of the multiphase fluid flow of liquids, solids & gas

·????????High accuracy ultralow flow to high flow measurements independent of fluid

·????????Detect fluid foaming and gas

·????????Easily retrofitted and installed onto existing pipework – replacing paddle system

·????????View and confirm the mudflow and mud surface condition and low flow pressure test leak condition

The beauty of this system is that it requires zero rig modification. It is designed to fit in the same saddle where a traditional paddle flow measurement system fits. Once set and calibrated (actually verification of flows based on pipe measurements input), the system can be literally maintenance-free as it has a built-in spray ring cleaning system that can be either actuated manually or automatically based on time, clarity of view, or any combination. As it has no direct contact with the drilling fluid, there is no wear of parts, no moving parts or anything else that might change the readings.

Let's start a discussion. I would love to hear from the drilling community about the system and could be available for any discussion. Our group is getting ready to drill a large number of wells and can assure you, we will have this system on all of our rigs.