Modular drilling fluid control system

Abstract

A drilling fluid control system (100) has subsystem modules (102A-102H), an output (104) and an input (106) connected with interconnecting conduit (110). Each subsystem module (102A-102H) has a function. The subsystem modules (102A-102H) may be an active mud pit module (102A), a mud mixing module (102B), a chemical storage module (102C), a rig pump module (102D), a back pressure control module (102E), a primary shaker module (102F), a secondary shaker module (102G) and / or a shaker pit module (102H). The subsystem modules (102A-102H) with the same function may be interchanged without changing the input (102), the output (102) and the interconnecting conduit (110) of the drilling fluid control system (100). Additionally, the sub-system modules (102A-102H) are configured to fit within intermodal shipping containers.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 819,045, filed 3 May 2013 (Mar. 05, 2013), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention generally relates to drilling fluid control systems for on-shore drilling rigs. More specifically, the present invention relates to modular drilling fluid control systems for on-shore drilling environments having self-contained subsystem modules with standardized interfaces. The subsystem modules may be, for example, a drilling fluid storage module, a mud mixing module, a chemical storage module, a back pressure control module, a choke manifold module, a solids control module, a primary shaker module, a secondary shaker module, a solids dryer module, and / or a shaker pit module.[0003]Boreholes are frequently drilled into the Earth's formation to recover deposits of hydrocarbons and other desirable materi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a drilling fluid control system with a modular subsystem that can be interchanged. This allows for easy replacement of parts that may need repair or adjustment, while still maintaining the same functions. The technical effects of this invention include improved efficiency and flexibility in maintenance and configuration of drilling fluid control systems.

Problems solved by technology

This process extends the design time and introduces errors into the system.

However, a drill rig may not be in a favorable environment which makes assembly of the subsystems difficult and cumbersome.

Additionally, on-site assembly complicates quality control and maintenance procedures.

As a result, the time required to set up a new drill rig and the costs associated with exploring a new drill site may increase dramatically.

However, the process of diagnosing the problem, repairing the component and testing the repair causes delays.

Often, the process of removing and transporting the component is burdensome.

With either situation, drilling the well may be delayed, and the cost of the well may increase.

This process may introduce errors into the system that may be costly to remedy.

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