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Drilling cutting analyzer system and methods of applications

Drilling cutting analyzer system and methods of applications description/claims

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/711,333 filed Sep. 10, 2004 which claims the priority from U.S. application 60/481,381 filed Sep. 15, 2003 which are incorporated herein by reference.

During the drilling of the well, mud is circulating down-hole and brings up the formation cuttings of the strata penetrated at this time. After the lag time, which comprises of the annular velocity and the depth of the well, the cuttings arrive to the surface. Here at the surface the sample catcher devise patent U.S. Pat. No. 6,386,026 by the author, is capturing the material and at this time the apparatus and process disclosed in this invention are measuring the physical, physic-chemical and petrophysical properties of the formation. Conventionally some of the cutting sampling is done but none of previous ways are capable to eliminate the randomness, human interference errors and homogeneity of sampling. We disclose the ways to obtain continuous sampling and measuring the properties of the drilled strata. Other analyzers are incapable or unusable for this purpose.

During the drilling of the well, mud is circulating down-hole and brings up the formation cuttings of the strata penetrated at this time. After a lag time, which comprises of the annular velocity and the depth of the well, the cuttings arrive to the surface. Here at the surface the sample catcher such as U.S. Pat. No. 6,386,026 to Zamfes, captures the material for measuring the physical, physic-chemical and petrophysical properties of the formation. Conventionally some of the cutting sampling is done but none of previous ways are capable to eliminate the randomness, human interference errors and homogeneity of sampling. We disclose the ways to obtain continuous or semi-continuous sampling and measuring the properties of the drilled strata. Other analyzers are in capable or unusable for this purpose.

Apparatus and method of this invention are provided for obtaining the specific properties of the drilled formation or any discrete formation moving continuously or semi-continuously. The series of sensors described below are selected to perform the data measurement and collection.

The first sensor is the natural gamma rays receiver 12 (with sodium iodine crystal) on a side of analyzer tube 11. Their Initial signal is obtained. This signal is discriminating the natural gamma radiation of different formations.

The second sensor of the set is beta ray sensor 13, placed beside the gamma on the side of main auger. This sensor will produce the beta radiation signal.

The third sensor set consists of two sensors. First is the gamma ray 15 and beta ray 16 receivers attached together on one side and the weak directional beam 27 of gamma rays source 17 on opposite side of the analyzer tube 11, will produce the dual signal synchronously reflecting the absorption radiation 21 and induced radiation 16 properties of media passing inside the tube.

The fourth sensor of the set is the Induction coil 34, with directional ferrous insert 33 this way that the magnetic field 38 is passing through the material 37 in the analyzer tube. Different formations will produce a different signal 36.

The fifth sensor of the set consists of Sonic source 42 on one side and the two receivers 43 and 44 on the opposite side; the signals obtained will be reflecting the formations properties.

The sixth sensor set consists of injector of dissolvent 55, which is constantly injecting small dose of dissolvent fluid into the cuttings flow and Fluorescent brightness measurement sensor 54, which measures the amplitude and frequency of light emission produced versus time.

For further processing the information collected is passed to the CPU. In the CPU the special algorithms that allow to obtain required physical, physic-chemical and petrophysical parameters.

In an alternative embodiment, the sensors and/or sources may be mounted within the analyzer tube (rather than externally). The method and apparatus described here may be added to the previously described auger which provides the capability to process the cuttings in circular motion around a hollow part of the auger in which the sensors and/or sources may be mounted.

The hollow and increased diameter parts of the auger axis is one part of the auger that continuously spins the cuttings around the unmovable sensor tube with gamma ray and gamma spectrograph sensors. That is, the auger shaft 1.2 is rotatably operated by drive means, such as an electric motor 1.6 to rotate the auger 1.7/auger shaft 1.2 relative to the analyzer tube 11. However, the hollow part or void 1.4 provides a void or space adapted for receiving a fixed or unmovable sensor tube 1.5 with any of the above sensors. The advantage of having the discreet media moving around the sensor is an improved signal to noise ratio which improves the useful signal for further measurement of drill cutting properties as apparent gamma, gamma spectrograph and neutron density porosity. As one ordinarily skilled in the art recognizes, a variety of other information can be obtained from the above sensors.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for measuring signals in discrete media of drilling cuttings including at least one sensor placed proximate an analyzer tube for analysis of the drilling cuttings; and an auger within the analyzer tube for conveying the drilling cuttings through the analyzer tube, past the at least one sensor.

Preferably, the at least one sensor including a natural gamma radiation sensor; a natural beta radiation sensor; a sensor for measuring the absorption properties of gamma radiation; a sensor for measuring the absorption properties of beta radiation; and a sensor for measuring the sonic velocities and penetration properties. Preferably, the apparatus is adapted to convey the drilling cuttings through the analyzer tube, past the at least one sensor, in the order a, b, c, d, e. Preferably, the sensor for measuring the absorption properties of gamma radiation (and beta radiation) comprising a gamma ray sensor (15) and a beta ray receiver (16) proximate one another on a side of the analyzer tube. Preferably, the at least one sensor further comprises a sensor for measuring the resistivity. Preferably, the sensor for measuring resistivity is a contact sensor. Preferably, the sensor for measuring resistivity is an induction sensor. Preferably, the induction sensor includes a source coil, proximate the drilling cuttings, the electrical coil adapted to receive an alternating electrical current; and a receiver coil adapted to detect electrical current induced in the receiver coil by the source coil. Preferably, the analyzer tube is a plastic tube. Preferably, the auger is made of non-conductive materials. Preferably, the apparatus further includes injection means for injecting a dissolvent (55) into the drilling cuttings; and a fluorescence brightness measurement sensor for measuring the amplitude and frequency of light emission produced.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of analyzing drilling cuttings including providing at least one sensor placed proximate an analyzer tube for analysis of the drilling cuttings; and an auger within the analyzer tube for conveying the drilling cuttings through the analyzer tube, past the at least one sensor; receiving the drilling cuttings from a subsurface formation; conveying the drilling cuttings through the analyzer tube, past the at least one sensor; recording readings from the at least one sensor; and correlating the readings to the subsurface formation.

Preferably, the method further includes injecting small dose of dissolvent into the drilling cuttings and measuring the fluorescent brightness of the drilling cuttings containing the small dose of dissolvent.

• Provisional Patent
• Utility Patent

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