In-situ downhole cuttings analysis

摘要

Systems, devices, and methods for evaluating cuttings entrained in a downhole fluid in a borehole intersecting an earth formation. Methods may include using at least one sensor to produce information responsive to a reflection of an emitted wave from downhole cuttings in the borehole, wherein the information is indicative of a parameter of interest relating to the downhole cuttings; and processing the information using at least one processor to estimate the parameter of interest. Methods may include using the at least one acoustic sensor to produce corresponding information from each of a plurality of azimuthally distributed orientations about a bottom hole assembly (BHA); and using the at least one processor to estimate from the information from each of the orientations an azimuthal variation of the parameter of interest. The at least one sensor may include acoustic sensors, electromagnetic sensors, and/or optical sensors.

主权项

1. A method of evaluating downhole cuttings entrained in a downhole fluid in a borehole intersecting an earth formation, the method comprising:
conveying at least one acoustic sensor in the borehole on a drill string; performing a drilling operation which produces downhole cuttings from disintegration of the formation; using the at least one acoustic sensor to produce information responsive to a reflection of an emitted acoustic wave from the downhole cuttings in the borehole, wherein the information is indicative of a parameter of interest relating to the downhole cuttings; processing the information using at least one processor to estimate the parameter of interest, wherein the parameter of interest comprises at least one of: i) average particle size of the downhole cuttings; ii) distribution of particle sizes; iii) quantitative indicator of shape of the downhole cuttings; and using the parameter of interest in performing further operations comprising at least one of:
i) characterizing the drilling operation;ii) optimizing one or more drilling parameters of the drilling operation; andiii) optimizing a mud program for the drilling operation.