In order to remotely control the drilling process it is necessary to measure several drilling fluid parameters automatically. This will increase objectivity of the measurements as well as make it possible to immediately react to changes. The current paper describes in detail the design for an integrated tool combination and the results of a full size yard test of such a combined set of tools for measuring drilling fluid parameters and formation properties automatically. Some of the automated tools have been tested on rig site operations. Results from these individual tests are also presented.The automatic drilling fluid analysis includes viscosity, fluid loss, electric stability measurements and chemical properties like pH. Full viscosity curves for the drilling fluid are measured using configurations and shear rates similar to those suggested by API procedures. Since gel formation curves and fluid loss properties require some sort of controlled static periods, these measurements are made semi-continuous. However, they are automatic and are measured as frequently as possible.An automatic system is included to measure the particle size distribution, concentration and morphology. Knowledge of these parameters is necessary, especially when drilling in depleted reservoirs where particles are added for increasing the wellbore strength.The produced cuttings volume is measured. An automatic system is adapted that determines, with accuracy comparable to that of visual analysis, whether the particles separated at the shaker screens are drill cuttings or cavings produced by an unstable formation. The mineralogy of the cuttings is analysed automatically using Raman spectroscopy, making it possible to evaluate continuously the different formations being drilled.

The technically challenging development of the marginal resources in the mature fields in the North Sea requires new levels of planning and execution to control the drilling process.Over the past few years, improved dataflow between drilling rigs and shore-based operator and service providers support organizations has created a renewed interest in automated monitoring of drilling parameters. Development of data transmission systems like InterACT and data formats like WITSML have initiated the search for and the development of new sensors that can be used for automated real-time monitoring of critical drilling fluid parameters.Increased focus on HSE in general and the use of harmful test chemicals, vapors and the risk of explosions in particular also has been an important driver for this development. Introducing a level of automation described in this paper can reduce by 70-80% the exposure time of fluids engineer in the rig laboratory without compromising service quality.Moreover, the development and use of advanced hydraulic simulation programs frequently employed for extended reach drilling and managed pressure drilling (MPD) have increased the focus on more reliable and more frequent operational inputs. The precision of modern simulation software represents a sharp contrast to the current practice of manual rig testing and reporting.This paper details the selection of fluid parameters considered most important for automation. The authors will describe the sensors developed for monitoring the most important parameters, including Electrical Stability (ES), density, temperature, water content in invert emulsion drilling fluid, XRF elemental analysis, in-line particle size distribution (PSD) and full 3D rheology tests. The parameters that could be monitored with existing sensor technologies used in other industries will be discussed, as well as those requiring development based on current field equipment. In addition, the paper will describe the installation and first field experiences with a full range of automated instruments on various rigs in the North Sea. Software System and InterpretationOne of the primary reasons more operators and oilfield service companies have renewed their interest in real-time monitoring of fluids data is the ensuing development of new data transmission possibilities, including widely available high-capacity broadband internet access to drilling rigs. Early in the automated fluids measurement project, WITSML was chosen as the preferred infrastructure for sending and receiving data between the rig and operations centers for the operator and the service providers. Today, WITSML servers are available worldwide with proven ability to send and receive large data volumes at a reasonably high speed for distribution to all knowledge hubs involved in the operation.All of the instruments purposely designed and built for this development project were equipped with individual IP addresses and the ability to communicate directly through WITSML servers, as Fig. 12 illustrates. Operational communica...

Summary To remotely control the drilling process, it is necessary to measure several drilling-fluid parameters automatically. This will increase objectivity of the measurements and make it possible to react to changes in real time. The current paper describes in detail the design for an integrated tool combination and the results of a full-size yard test of such a combined set of tools for measuring drilling-fluid parameters and formation properties automatically. Some of the automated tools have been tested on rigsite operations. Results from these individual tests are also presented. The automatic drilling-fluid analysis includes viscosity, fluid loss, electrical-stability (ES) measurements, and chemical properties such as pH. Full viscosity curves for the drilling fluid are measured using configurations and shear rates similar to those suggested by American Petroleum Institute (API) procedures. Because gel-formation curves and fluid-loss properties require some sort of controlled static periods, these measurements are made semicontinuously. However, they are automatic and can be measured as frequently as desired. An automatic system is included to measure the particle-size distribution (PSD), concentration, and morphology. Knowledge of these parameters is necessary, especially when drilling in depleted reservoirs where particles are added for increasing the wellbore strength. The produced-cuttings volume is measured. An automatic system is adapted that determines, with accuracy comparable to that of visual analysis, whether the particles separated at the shaker screens are drill cuttings or cavings produced by an unstable formation. The mineralogy of the cuttings is analyzed automatically using Raman spectroscopy, making it possible to evaluate continuously the different formations being drilled.

Health and safety concerns and technically challenging wells in the North Sea have created a clear and present requirement for robust systems for automated, real-time measurement of key drilling fluid parameters. This paper discusses a suite of discrete sensor packages that has been developed, successfully yard-tested, and deployed in different configurations on three critical wells in the Norwegian sector. They replace manual measurements that have been in use of over 60 years. Specific parameters addressed by this suite include density, temperature, electrical stability and water content in oil-based fluids, elemental analyses, solid content, particle-size distribution, and multi-temperature rheological properties.Industry has long recognized the value of automated drilling fluid measurements for reducing personnel on board and isolating remaining personnel from potentially hazardous areas, mitigating non-productive time, rapidly diagnosing problems, providing necessary input to various drilling automation processes, optimizing fluid performance, and sharing real-time data with remote operating centers. Successful implementation had been plagued by the lack of suitable sensors and efficient means to transfer and interpret the data. Business issues also had been of concern, but fortunately most of these are steadily being defused.This paper describes each of the sensor packages, including the design, method of operation, accuracy, reliability, interpretation, and means of data transmission. Two sensors in the suite that have been previously available are included for completeness. The authors present sample yard and/or field data, demonstrating typical results as well as suggesting how these results could be leveraged for maximum benefit.