Patent Publication Number: US-11643889-B1

Title: Debris catch for managed pressure drilling

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable. 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable. 
     REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX 
     Not Applicable. 
     RESERVATION OF RIGHTS 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to intellectual property rights such as but not limited to copyright, trademark, and/or trade dress protection. The owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records but otherwise reserves all rights whatsoever. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     In well drilling, fluids are often pumped into and out of the well. Some of these fluids pumped out of the well could potentially include debris. Such debris could flow from the well and rotating control device (RCD) to components downstream. The debris could potentially damage the components located downstream from the RCD. The present invention installs downstream of the RCD to catch debris to limit damage to the components located downstream from the RCD. 
     The present invention filters the fluids flowing from the RCD to the components located downstream. Filtering of the fluids limits the debris that flows through the components downstream of the debris catch. The present invention captures the debris to limit damage to the components downstream of the RCD. Sensors, such as pressure transducers, detect the pressure to determine if the flowline is clogged. The operators can then remove and clear the strainer and unclog the flowline. 
     By reducing the flow of debris from the wellhead to the components, the debris catch increases the life of the components and decreases damage to the component. The debris catch also increases efficiency of the drilling operation and reduces downtime of the drilling operation. 
     II. Description of the Known Art 
     Managed pressure drilling operations provide a Coriolis meter downstream of the RCD. No known catch or filter reduces the amount of debris that flows through the Coriolis meter. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The debris catch of the present invention provides a strainer located downstream of the RCD within the flowline. The strainer is located between the RCD and at least one protected component. The strainer catches debris and other junk that flows from the well. The strainer limits the debris and other junk that flows through protected components located downstream of the strainer. 
     The strainer is located downstream of the RCD and upstream of the protected component, such as a Coriolis meter. Such a strainer located between the RCD and the protected component limits the debris that flows to the protected component. The strainer may become clogged as the strainer catches debris. The user can then remove the strainer and clean the debris from the strainer. The user may also open a purge valve to purge the debris through a purge outlet located downstream of the strainer. 
     A sensor, such as at least one pressure sensor, pressure transducer, installed within the drilling system detects the pressure differential to detect clogs within the system. The present invention of one embodiment provides at least two sensors, such as pressure sensors, pressure transducers, installed within the system. A first sensor is located between the RCD and the protected component. The first sensor is located prior to reaching the strainer. 
     A second sensor is located downstream of the first sensor and downstream of the pathway to the protected component. The pathway of one embodiment may be an outlet that leads to the protected component. In one embodiment, the second sensor is located at the strainer past the protected component. The first and second sensors detect clogs within the strainer. Upon clog detection, personnel may remove the strainer through an access outlet or purge the clog through a purge outlet. 
     The strainer of one embodiment is positioned within a straining conduit. The straining conduit provides an inlet for the drilling fluid to enter the strainer and the straining conduit. The straining conduit provides a first passageway to the protected component and a second passageway to an access outlet. The first passageway may include a protected outlet that leads to the protected component. The second passageway allows removal of debris from the strainer through an access outlet or purge outlet. In one embodiment, the first pressure sensor is located between the RCD and the protected component. The first pressure sensor may be located between the inlet of the straining conduit and the first passageway to the protected component, such as the protected outlet to the protected component. The first pressure sensor may be located prior to reaching the strainer. 
     In one embodiment, the protected component is secured to the outlet to the protected component. The second pressure sensor is located downstream (past) the first passageway to the protected component. The second pressure sensor is located between the first passageway and the access outlet. The second pressure sensor of one embodiment may be located at the strainer. 
     The present invention reduces the downtime and costs of the drilling rig by reducing debris entering protected components. 
     It is an object of the present invention to catch debris within the drilling fluid. 
     Another object of the present invention is to protect components located downstream of the strainer. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a release for removing debris from the strainer. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a removable cap for removing the strainer for cleaning and removing the debris. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a purge valve for purging debris from the strainer through a purge outlet. 
     Another object of the present invention is to protect components in a managed pressure drilling system. 
     Another object of the present invention is to protect a Coriolis meter. 
     Another object of the present invention is to create a safer work environment for rig personnel. 
     In addition to the features and advantages of the debris catch for managed pressure drilling according to the present invention, further advantages thereof will be apparent from the following description in conjunction with the appended drawings. 
     These and other objects of the invention will become more fully apparent as the description proceeds in the following specification and the attached drawings. These and other objects and advantages of the present invention, along with features of novelty appurtenant thereto, will appear or become apparent in the course of the following descriptive sections. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the following drawings, which form a part of the specification and which are to be construed in conjunction therewith, and in which like reference numerals have been employed throughout wherever possible to indicate like parts in the various views: 
         FIG.  1    is a front view showing one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  2    is a sectional view thereof; 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective environmental view thereof; 
         FIG.  4    is a front environmental view thereof; 
         FIG.  5    is a right side environmental view thereof; 
         FIG.  6    is a left side environmental view thereof; and 
         FIG.  7    is a section view of one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS.  1  and  2    show a debris catch  100  that secures to an outlet in a flowline downstream of a rotating control device (RCD) (not pictured). Drilling fluid from the RCD flows from the RCD to the inlet  104  of the straining conduit  102 . The straining conduit  102  houses a strainer  124  that catches debris before the debris reaches a protected component. The debris could potentially damage the component. The strainer  124  catches the debris to limit the amount of debris that flows to the protected component(s). The strainer  124  protects the component located downstream of the strainer  124 . 
     The straining conduit  102  provides two passageways. The first passageway of straining conduit  102  leads to the protected component at protected outlet  108 . The second passageway of straining conduit  102  leads to an access outlet  119  or purge outlet  120 . The access outlet  119  provides rig personnel with access to the strainer  124 . Rig personnel installs and removes the strainer  124  through the access outlet  119 . The purge outlet  120  of one embodiment provides an outlet for purging debris caught by the strainer within the straining conduit  102 . The debris is purged from the purge conduit  116  through the purge outlet  120  by opening purge valve  118 . 
     Flange  112  of straining conduit  102  attaches to flange  114  of purge valve  118 . Opening purge valve  118  purges debris from the straining conduit  102  through the purge conduit  116 . The debris exits the purge conduit  116  through purge outlet  120 . 
     To remove the strainer  124 , rig personnel close the isolation valve. Rig personnel may release pressure within the straining conduit through pressure release valve  136 . Rig personnel then removes purge valve  118  from straining conduit  102  at flanges  112 ,  114  or removes cap  134 . Rig personnel then removes strainer  124  from straining conduit  102  through the access outlet  119  in flange  112 . The rig personnel clean the strainer  124  and installs the strainer  124  into straining conduit  102  through the access outlet  119  in flange  112  as shown in  FIGS.  2  and  7   . Rig personnel opens isolation valve for continued drilling operations to allow drilling fluid to flow to the strainer and straining conduit. 
     In one embodiment, rig personnel may require relieving pressure from the system prior to removing the purge conduit  116  from the straining conduit  102 . Pressure release valve  136  as shown in  FIGS.  3  and  7    discharges the pressure within the system to reduce the pressure within the system. Rig personnel may then remove the purge conduit  116  from the straining conduit  102 . Rig personnel may then remove, clean, and install strainer  124  within the straining conduit  102 . 
     The strainer  124  within straining conduit  102  catches debris before the debris reaches a component within the passageways through protected outlet  108  and outlet  109  at sensor  110 . The strainer  124  protects the components located downstream within the first passageway through protected outlet  108  and outlet  109  at sensor  110 . The protected components may include, but are not limited to, Coriolis meter, flow control devices, and other rig equipment. 
       FIGS.  1  and  2    also show the placement of the sensors  106 ,  110 , such as pressure transducers, that detect the pressure within the straining conduit  102 . The sensors  106 ,  110  may be positioned differently. First sensor  106  detects the pressure of the drilling fluid prior to reaching the strainer  124  and the protected outlet  108 . First sensor  106  detects the pressure at detection point  122 . Second sensor  110  detects the pressure at detection point  126 . Second sensor  110  detects the pressure at the strainer  124  in the second passageway towards access outlet  119  and purge outlet  120  past the protected outlet  108 . Detecting pressure after protected outlet  108  in the second passageway away from the protected component, the second sensor  110  detects clogs within the strainer  124 . 
     The strainer  124  is located in the straining conduit  102  at the first passageway to the protected component via outlet  108 . The strainer  124  catches debris prior to protected outlet  108  and the protected component. Straining apertures  125  with the strainer  124  allow the drilling fluid to pass through the strainer  124 . The straining apertures  125  limit the debris that can flow through the strainer  124 . 
     The strainer  124  catches debris from the drilling fluid through the first passageway to the protected component. The strainer  124  limits the debris that reaches the protected component. As the strainer  124  catches the debris, rig personnel may remove a cap  134  or connection to the flange  112  of the straining conduit  102 , such as purge conduit  116 , to remove the strainer through the access outlet  119  of flange  112  shown in  FIGS.  2  and  7   . As discussed above, rig personnel may release pressure through pressure release valve  136  shown in  FIGS.  3  and  7    prior to removing the cap  134  or connection, such as purge conduit  116 . Rig personnel may then clean the strainer  124  to remove the debris and install a strainer  124  into the straining conduit  102 . 
     The first sensor  106  detects the pressure at detection point  122  located upstream of the strainer  124 . The first sensor  106  detects the pressure of the drilling fluid prior to reaching the strainer  124  and the protected component. The second sensor  110  detects the pressure of the drilling fluid at the strainer  124 . The second sensor  110  also detects the pressure of the drilling fluid delivered through the first passageway and the protected outlet  108  to the protected component. 
     The system detects clogs via the first sensor  106  and the second sensor  110 . The first sensor  106  detects pressure prior to reaching the strainer  124 . The second sensor  110  detects the pressure after reaching the strainer  124  and outlet  109  and before reaching the protected component via first passageway and outlet  108 . 
     During clogged conditions, the second sensor  110  detects a drop in pressure at the detection point  126 . The first sensor  106  detects a spike in pressure at detection point  122 . The second sensor  110  detects a lower pressure approaching zero (0) or near zero (0) during the clogged conditions. Meanwhile, the first sensor  106  detects a constantly increasing pressure as the pressure spikes at first sensor  106  during the clogged conditions. 
     The straining conduit  102  provides two different options for removing debris from the strainer  124  and the straining conduit  102 . One option allows for releasing the debris by opening a purge valve  118  to release the debris through purge conduit  116  and purge outlet  120 . Opening purge valve  118  releases the debris without removing the strainer  124  from straining conduit  102 . 
     Another option requires rig personnel to remove a cap  134  or purge valve  118  at flange  112  of the straining conduit  102  as shown in  FIGS.  1 ,  2 , and  7   . Rig personnel then removes the strainer  124  from the straining conduit  102  through the access outlet  119 . Rig personnel may clean the strainer  124  and the inside of the straining conduit  102  to remove the debris. Rig personnel then installs the cleaned strainer  124  into the straining conduit  102  and reattaches the cap  134  or purge valve  118  at flange  112 . Drilling operations can then continue. 
       FIGS.  3 - 6    show straining conduit  102  and Coriolis meter  128  secured to skid  130 . Skid  130  simplifies installation of the straining conduit  102  and the Coriolis meter  128 . The flow line connects to inlet  104 . Drilling fluid flow flows from the RCD (not pictured) into the inlet  104 . The drilling fluid flows through the first passageway and protected outlet  108  to the Coriolis meter  128 . As discussed above, debris can be removed from the straining conduit  102  by opening the purge valve to release the debris through the purge outlet  120 . 
       FIG.  5    shows the inlet  104  covered by a cap for protection. The cap is removed to attach the flow line to the inlet  104  and the straining conduit  102 . The drilling fluid flows into the inlet  104  through the straining conduit into the Coriolis meter  128 . 
       FIG.  6    shows the outlet  132  and the Coriolis meter  128 . The drilling fluid flows through the straining conduit  102  into the Coriolis meter  128 . The drilling fluid exits the Coriolis meter  128  and flows out the outlet  132 . 
       FIG.  7    shows another embodiment of debris catch that provides isolation valve  138  at inlet  104 . Isolation valve  138  enables isolating straining conduit  102  and strainer  124  from the MPD system. Upon detection of a clog by sensors  106 ,  110  that detect pressure at detection points  122 ,  126 , rig personnel may close valve  138 . Rig personnel closes the valve  138  to remove and clean the strainer  124  from the straining conduit  102 . 
     Isolation valve  138  remains open during normal operation of the strainer  124  and straining conduit  102 . Drilling fluid flows into the inlet  104  through the strainer  124 . The drilling fluid flows from the strainer  124  through the outlet  108  to the protected component. Rig personnel installs the strainer  124  into the straining conduit  102  to continue protecting the protected component(s). 
     Sensors  106 ,  110  detect a clog in the strainer  124  and straining conduit  102 . Rig personnel close isolation valve  138  to remove cap  134  from the straining conduit  102 . The valve  138  isolates the straining conduit  102  for removal of the cap  134 . The pressure within the straining conduit  102  can be released through pressure release valve  136 . Rig personnel then remove cap  134  to access the strainer  124 . Rig personnel can then remove the strainer  124  for cleaning. Rig personnel then installs a strainer  124  into the straining conduit and reattaches cap  134  for continued protection of protected outlet  108 . Rig personnel opens the isolation valve  138  to continue drilling operations. 
     Isolation valve  138  may also be present in the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  1 - 6   . Closing the isolation valve  138  for the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  1 - 6    allows for removal of the straining conduit to access the strainer. 
     The debris catch of the present invention catches debris within a strainer. The debris catch is located upstream of the protected component to limit the flow of debris to the protected component. Sensors detect clogs within the strainer to allow rig personnel to clear the clog within the strainer. Rig personnel may flush the clog through a purge outlet by opening a purge outlet located downstream of the strainer. Rig personnel may also manually clear the clog by removing the strainer, clearing the clog, and reinstalling a strainer. The debris catch may protect components including Coriolis meter, flow control devices, and other rig equipment. 
     An isolation valve located upstream of the strainer remains open during drilling operations. The isolation valve allows drilling fluid to flow to the strainer. Closing the isolation valve limits the flow of the drilling fluid to the strainer. Closing the isolation valve enables rig personnel to remove and install the strainer within the straining conduit. 
     A purge valve located downstream of the strainer allows purging of the clog through a purge outlet. The purge valve remains closed during drilling operations. Closing the access outlet and purge outlet directs the drilling fluid to the protected component and the protected outlet in the first passageway. Opening the purge valve directs the drilling fluid out the access outlet and the purge outlet to purge the clog through the purge outlet. 
     From the foregoing, it will be seen that the present invention is one well adapted to obtain all the ends and objects herein set forth, together with other advantages which are inherent to the structure. 
     It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. 
     As many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.