17960353. MEASURING BOTTOM-HOLE TEMPERATURE WITH SMART POLYMERS simplified abstract (Saudi Arabian Oil Company)

MEASURING BOTTOM-HOLE TEMPERATURE WITH SMART POLYMERS

Organization Name

Saudi Arabian Oil Company

Inventor(s)

Mohammed Albassam of Alkhobar (SA)

Arturo Magana Mora of Dhahran (SA)

Chinthaka Pasan Gooneratne of Dhahran (SA)

Mohammad Aljubran of Sayhat (SA)

Peter Boul of Houston TX (US)

MEASURING BOTTOM-HOLE TEMPERATURE WITH SMART POLYMERS - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 17960353 titled 'MEASURING BOTTOM-HOLE TEMPERATURE WITH SMART POLYMERS

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes a system and method for using smart polymers in drilling operations. Here is a simplified explanation of the abstract:

• Smart polymers with heat sensitivity are inserted into drilling fluid pumped into a well.
• The smart polymers are triggered by exposure to increasing levels of heat.
• An insertion timestamp is stored for each unit of smart polymer.
• Continuous images and observed characteristics of returning mud containing the smart polymers are captured by a camera.
• Temperatures at the drill bit are estimated using the captured data and insertion timestamps.
• Suggestions for changes to drilling parameters are provided based on the analysis.

Potential Applications

The technology could be applied in various drilling operations, including oil and gas exploration, geothermal drilling, and mining.

Problems Solved

This technology helps in monitoring and optimizing drilling operations by providing real-time data on temperature and suggesting adjustments to parameters for improved efficiency and safety.

Benefits

The use of smart polymers enhances the monitoring capabilities of drilling operations, leading to better decision-making, increased efficiency, and potentially reducing the risk of accidents.

Potential Commercial Applications

The technology could be valuable for drilling companies, oil and gas exploration firms, and mining companies looking to improve their drilling processes and maximize productivity.

Possible Prior Art

One potential prior art could be the use of temperature-sensitive materials in drilling operations, but the specific application of smart polymers triggered by heat exposure may be a novel approach.

How does the system handle variations in heat exposure levels during drilling operations?

The system may utilize algorithms to analyze the data and adjust for fluctuations in heat exposure levels to ensure accurate temperature estimations.

What is the expected lifespan of the smart polymers in the drilling environment?

The durability and longevity of the smart polymers in harsh drilling conditions may impact the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of the technology.

Original Abstract Submitted

Systems and methods include techniques for using smart polymers. Units of smart polymers with heat sensitivity are inserted by a monitoring system into drilling fluid pumped into a well. The smart polymers are configured to be triggered by exposure to increasing levels of heat. An insertion timestamp associated with each unit is stored. Each insertion timestamp indicates a time that each unit was inserted. Continuous images and observed characteristics of returning mud exiting through an annulus of the well and containing the units of smart polymer are captured by a camera positioned at a sensing location and linked to the monitoring system. An estimate of temperatures at a drill bit of the drilling operation is determined using continuous images, observed characteristics, and insertion timestamps, based at least in part on executing image processing algorithms, machine-learning models, and deep-learning models. Suggested changes to be made to drilling parameters are provided.