Patent ID: 6378628
Filing Date: 2002-04-30
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
A computerized monitoring system for oil and gas drilling operations to provide indications of conditions in a well bore comprising:i. an injection line including a pump for injecting gas into a drill string; ii. a gas return line having a laminar flow segment for transporting return gas containing a mixture of gas and other hydrocarbons from the drill string to a flare; iii. a first gas pressure transducer for measuring the gas pressure in the laminar flow segment nearest the drill string; iv. a thermal transducer for measuring the temperature of the gas adjacent the first gas pressure transducer; v. a second gas pressure transducer located in the laminar flow segment of the gas return line nearest the flare; vi. a monitor display at the drilling rig to indicate conditions of the return gas; and vii. a computer for analyzing data from all the transducers and determining changes in the conditions of the return gas.