Method for using particle size analysis in near time or real time to create a proper particle size distribution within a drilling fluid management system for improved well drilling efficiency

摘要

A method for optimizing drilling fluids by creating a proper particle size analysis and distribution curve of particle sizing within drilling fluid. The particle size distribution curve is maintained with a maximum particle sizing of 6 microns so as to not allow for coarser drilled solids to degrade beyond the point of mechanical separation to prevent a build-up of low gravity solids that can no longer be removed from the drilling fluid during the drilling operation due to their size. An optimal drilling system requires that drilling fluids be modified through the following process to attain the appropriate particle sizing distribution to: make the most efficient use of the drilling operation, reduce the amount to drilling fluids utilized, and reduce formation damage. The method generates corrective actions to modify the drilling fluids or adjust solids control equipment parameters, to obtain a unique particle size distribution throughout the drilling process.

主权项

1. A computer implemented method for determining drilling mud particle size for a plurality of drilling mud samples from a used drilling mud from a wellbore prior to returning cleaned drilling mud downhole into the wellbore, the method comprising an administrative processor in electronic communication with an administrative data storage, wherein the administrative data storage comprises computer instructions instructing the administrative processor to:
a. acquire data from a particle size analyzer, wherein the particle size analyzer measures sequentially a plurality of drilling mud samples taken from the used drilling mud from the wellbore; b. plot at least one particle size distribution curve for each of the plurality of drilling mud samples, wherein the particle size distribution curve comprises at least one of: a percent passing curve and a volume distribution curve by plotting a particle diameter in microns in each of the plurality of drilling mud samples against a passing rate percentage for particle sizes in the drilling mud sample, and against a volume percentage respectively; c. create a graphical particle size log comprising data from the particle size distribution curve and, at least one of: a true vertical depth and a measured depth of the wellbore, wherein the true vertical depth and the measured depth are obtained from a measurement while drilling processor in electronic communication with the administrative processor, wherein the measurement while drilling processor receives and computes measurement while drilling data from the wellbore as a drill bit drills the wellbore; d. display the particle size distribution of particle sizes against true vertical depths and measured depths simultaneously on the graphical particle size log; e. present rig information and drilling fluid properties on the graphical particle size log with the particle size distribution against depth enabling simultaneous viewing of well fluid data by depth and drilling mud sample; f. present a user interface for solids control equipment enabling information from solids control equipment connected to the wellbore to be inputted and viewed simultaneously with the graphical particle size log, wherein the user interface further displays in real time at least one of: particle size versus percentile and particle size versus size in units; g. allow a user to determine a user-defined size of undesirable particulates using the presented user interface; and h. allow a user to adjust at least one particulate removal device to remove the user-defined size of undesirable particulates and create cleaned drilling mud for use in the wellbore.