APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETECTING GASES CONVEYED BY DRILLING FLUIDS FROM SUBTERRANEAN WELLS

摘要

This application describes apparatus and methods for detecting gas content and compositions in drilling fluids while drilling a subterranean well. More specifically, the apparatus includes an agitated drilling fluid trap incorporating an inertial bypass filter and analyzer to rapidly extract and analyze gases liberated from a drilling fluid sample. The method generally includes the steps of: extracting a gas sample from drilling fluid using an agitation system and inertial by-pass filter; analyzing the gas sample within an analyzer to obtain output signals representing gas content and composition; and, displaying the output in conjunction with other correlated drilling parameters.