METHOD TO MEASURE FLOW LINE RETURN FLUID DENSITY AND FLOW RATE

摘要

Generally, the present invention is directed to the in situ measurement of fluid density and/or flow rate in tubular conduits, wherein such measurement comprises measuring dynamic fluid level and/or load (weight) in a region of the conduit (101, 104) and correlating these measurements of the fluid with a density and/or flow rate (105). Such measurements are typically directed toward drilling fluids transported within the tubular conduits, particularly the return flow, wherein the fluid comprises extraneous material (e.g. cuttings, etc.) which can alter the density and flow rate of the drilling fluid.