Patent ID: 12222343

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1is a schematic layout of an embodiment of the disclosed drilling mud management system1(hereinafter referred to as the “system1”). The system1includes at least a mud measurement system10which is arranged to measure at least one property and/or characteristic of the drilling mud (also known as “drilling fluid”). Additional subsystems or modules of the system1include: a filtrate measurement system70; a mud dosing and mixing system110; a communications module120; a power module130; and a portable “smart” device140. Each of the modules and subsystems10,70,110,120,130and140is a stand-alone item with plug and play connectivity to provide corresponding functionality to the system1. The hub150shown inFIG.1is not a part of the system1, but rather is a remote data collection and storage facility with which the system,1is able to communicate. The hub150may be a cloud-based system.

As explained in the following description the system1provides a portable and in substance complete and automated mud management system for drilling without the need for an on-site mud engineer. The management provided by the system1includes measurement and diagnostics of the mud, the ability to automatically vary the mud composition, conduct audits of mud characteristics compared with ratios of components used in mixing the mud, and just-in-time ordering and delivery of mud components to site. The mud management system1is automated to the extent that once it has been set up it is able to function automatically to perform a measurement of the characteristics of the mud, the filtrate, and operator otherwise control the mud dosing and mixing system110. The system can be activated to perform its automates functions either locally by for example a drill operator, or remotely using the communications system.

Each of the individual modules and subsystems10,70,110,120,130and140will now be described.

Mud Measurement System10

FIG.2Ashows a schematic representation of mud measurement system10(hereinafter referred to in general as “system10”) which includes a housing12(illustrated inFIG.3) that houses measurement devices14a-14f(hereinafter referred to in general as “measurement devices14”) and a pumping system16. The measurement devices14are arranged to measure at least one property or characteristic of drilling mud. The pumping system16is arranged to pump a batch sample of mud to one or more of the measurement devices14and to subsequently pump the mud sample from the one or more of the measurement devices14and housing12. By conducting hatch sampling, a static sample of mud is presented to the measurement devices14. The system10is a low-pressure system, with the only pressure applied to the sample when being delivered to the measuring devices being the that provided by the pumping system which utilities one or more low pressure positive displacement pumps.

As the pumping system16is within the housing it relies on applying a suction or relative negative pressure to draw mud and other fluids into the housing12and the measurement devices14. As also explained below the pumping system16is operable in a reverse direction to pump out or otherwise flush fluids from the housing12.

The pumping system16includes a drilling mud pump16aand a flushing fluid pump16b. The pumps16aand16bare separately controlled. In this embodiment the pumps16aand16bare positive displacement pumps such as, but not limited to, peristaltic pumps. Peristaltic pumps are inherently low-pressure pumps. The pumping system16ais connected to an external supply18of drilling fluid via a hose20. The hose20is connected to one port22of the drilling mud pump16a. A second port24of the drilling mud pump16ais connected by a conduit26ato a manifold28. The manifold28is connected by a conduit26bto a cup30. A conduit26cconnects a port32of the flushing fluid pump16bto the conduit26a. A second port34of the flushing fluid pump16bis in fluid communication via a hose36with a supply38of freshwater or other flushing fluid.

One of the measurement devices14ameasures characteristics of fluid contained within the cup30. In this embodiment the measurement device14ais a viscometer or rheometer. A plurality of the measurement devices14b-14fis arranged to measure other characteristics or properties of fluid in the manifold28.

In one embodiment the viscometer/rheometer14acan be arranged to provide the following measurements and tests on the fluid contained within the cup30: Yield Pointa. Plastic Viscosityb. Temperaturec. 10 Sec Geld. 10 min Gel1. Viscositye. 600 r.p.mf. 300 r.p.mg. 6 rpmh. 3 rpm

In this particular embodiment the measurement devices14b-14fmay comprise respective probes to measure characteristics/properties of the fluid in the manifold28such as but not limited to:a.14b: pHb.14c: chloride ion combinationc.14d: total hardnessd.14e: potassium ion combinatione.14f: calcium ion combination The number and type of probes that are provided can vary from application to applications and thus can be more, less and/or different probes to the five mentioned above.

The above list of characteristics may be augmented by the inclusion of a filtrate measurement system in the housing12. This is described in greater detail later under the heading “Filtrate Measurement System70”.

In one possible example the probes14b-14fmay be in the form of an ion-selective electrodes (ISE), also known as a specific ion electrodes (SIE), which are

transducers (or sensors) that convert the activity of a specific ion dissolved in a solution into an electrical potential (i.e. voltage). The voltage is dependent on the logarithm of the ionic activity, according to the Nernst equation. The electrical potential is measured in Bi-polar millivolts. This potential is connected to respective converters15b-15k(hereinafter referred to in general as “converters15”) which in turn converts the millivolt signal to a 0-20 milliamp analogue signal.

The system10also includes an electronic controller40located within the housing12. Conveniently the controller40may be in the form of a programmable logic controller. A user interface (not shown) including for example a display and one or more buttons (touch screen or physical) is provided to enable a user to operate the controller40and thus the system10. A local communications network represented by dashed lines41provides a communication and control path for the controller40to other components of the system10. The local network may comprise wires, optical cables, wireless devices, or any combination thereof.

The controller40is connected to the measurement devices14via the corresponding converters15and the pumping system16. Additionally, the controller40is

connected to fluid level system that is used to provide information relating to the level of fluid within the cup30; and, a mud density measurement system44.

The fluid level system in this embodiment is in the form of a flowmeter14mwhich is downstream of the pumping system16and upstream of the cup30with reference to a direction of flow of mud from the supply18or38to the cup30. In this embodiment the flowmeter30is between the pumping system16and the manifold28. The flowmeter14mmeasures the flow of liquid into and out from the cup30. This measurement is used by the controller40to determine the level of liquid in the cup30.

The fluid level system may additionally or alternately comprise a level sensor42which is arranged to provide a reading of the level of fluid within the cup32the controller40. When used in addition to the flowmeter14m, the level sensor42provides a degree of redundancy and self-checking. The level sensor42optical sensor can be located on an outside of the cup30. In this event the cup30is made from a transparent material such as glass or polycarbonate. However other types of level sensors may be used such as electrical conduction sensors or ultrasonic sensors. Alternately the level sensor42can be in the form of a float located inside of the cup30.

The mud density measurement system44comprises at least two hydrostatic pressure transducers46and48(hereinafter “transducers46and48”). The mud density measurement system44may be held within a storage compartment of the housing12. However, when the system10is in use measuring characteristics or properties of the drilling fluid/mud the mud density, the measurement system44is removed from the housing12and placed into the external supply18of drilling fluid. The transducers46and48are held or otherwise suspended at different respective heights or depths within the external supply18of drilling fluid/mud. In one example the transducers46and48may be submerged in the supply18in the range of 200 mm to 2000 mm. Any vertical separation or offset between the transducers46and48, which will provide a basis for calculating mud weight. Nevertheless, accuracy of the mud weight calculation may be enhanced by maximising the vertical separation. In one example this separation may be a minimum of 100 mm.

Due to the difference in respective depths within the external supply18the transducers46and48are subjected to different fluid pressures. This difference in pressure is directly dependent upon the respective volumes of drilling fluid bearing on the transducers46and48. Given that the difference in level between the sensors46and48is known or can be set by an operator, and the configuration of a container or other receptacle forming the supply18is known, the controller40can be programmed to automatically calculate the density of the drilling fluid using the differences in fluid pressure sensed by the sensors46and48.

The mud density measurement system44can be placed at any depth or location within the external supply18. Accordingly, embodiments of the present system10enable the mud density measurement system44to be spaced above the bottom of the external supply18. This can be achieved for example by using a float which is attached to both of the sensors46and48. By suspending the measurement system44above a bottom of the external supply18it is possible to minimize measurement errors which may otherwise arise due to the settling of solid particles within and near the bottom of the external supply18.

Electrical power to operate the system10can be provided by way of the power module130. Alternately or additionally the system10may include batteries (rechargeable or otherwise) to provide power or backup power. If rechargeable batteries are provided, and the power module130is not available, optionally an external solar electric panel can be provided to facilitate recharging of the batteries.

An exemplary operating cycle of the system10will now be described.

The system10in the housing12is transported to a drilling location where drilling mud is to be used. It is envisaged that the housing12may be of the general size and figuration of a piece of luggage suitable for carrying as checked in luggage on a commercial aircraft. To this end the housing12can be provided with a retractable handle and wheels (neither being shown). Alternately the mud management system1incorporating: the mud measurement system10, inclusive of its housing12; and one or more of the filtrate measurement system70; mud dosing and mixing system110; communications module120; and power module130; is transported to the drilling location, for example in a trailer or on a powered vehicle.

Once on-site the mud density measurement system44is taken out of the housing12and placed within the external supply18ensuring that the transducers46and48are free to be suspended at a known vertical/depth offset from each other. The external supply may for example be inside of a hole being drilled in the ground. A free end of the hose to20(i.e. the end not coupled to the port22) is placed in the external supply18. Likewise, a free end of the hose36(i.e. the end not coupled to the port34) is placed in the freshwater supply38. The mud management system1and/or the mud measurement system10can be activated locally by the drill rig operator and then function automatically, or remotely using the communications system120by a mud engineer or other officer; or a combination of both where for example a mud engineer may sent instructions for communication system120to the drill rig operator to perform various functions.

The controller40may be ideally, but not necessarily, provided with a set of reference parameters pertaining to the drilling mud. These parameters for example may be desired characteristics of the drilling mud to be used in a particular drilling application. In the event the controller40is not preloaded with the reference parameters, they may be provided by the remote mud engineer via the communication system120.

The controller40is switched to a measurement cycle mode. This mode executes two cycles, a fill cycle in which the cup30and manifold28are filled with drilling fluid, and a data cycle Where the sensors14a-14fare activated to provide measured data relating to the drilling fluid. In the fill cycle of this mode the controller40operates the drilling fluid pump16ato draw drilling fluid into the housing12. Thus, the port22acts as an inlet port and the port24acts as an outlet port. The drilling mud is passed by the conduit26a, through the flowmeter14mto the manifold28and by the conduit26bto the cup30. This transfer of drilling fluid continues until the controller40using measurements from the flowmeter14msenses that the drilling fluid within the cup30has reached a prescribed level. It is envisaged that the total volume of drilling fluid/mud pump into the housing12to facilitate measurement of the desired characteristics and properties will be in the order of between 0.3 L to 1 L. In one example of the volume required to carry out all of the tests and measurements may be in the order of 0.7 L.

The controller40now ceases the fill cycle by stopping the pump16aand the data cycle starts where the controller40operates or otherwise polls the sensor14for data relating to specific characteristics or properties of the drilling fluid. In this particular embodiment the controller40will operate the viscometer14ato conduct the measurements and tests described above, and subsequently received corresponding measurement data. Similarly, the controller40receives measurement data regarding the characteristics or properties measured by the sensors14b-14f.

From a display on the controller40a drill rig operator can view the characteristics or properties of the drilling fluid and compare them to the prescribed or desired characteristics. The prescribed or desired characteristics may be provided to the driller in a variety of different ways. For example, by way of a written document in a mud preparation/handling manual. Alternately these characteristics may be provided in an electronic memory of the controller40(e.g. pre-programmed in the controller40); a portable memory device connectable to or otherwise able to communicate with the controller40; or by download into an electronic memory of the controller40from a remote location via a remote user interface.

Irrespective of how the prescribed mud characteristics are conveyed to the operator, the operator is informed by the controller40of the measured mud characteristics. From here either (a) the operator can determine the differences if any between the measured and prescribed characteristics of the drilling mud, or (b) the controller40can determine and inform the operator of the differences if any between the measured and prescribed characteristics of the drilling mud. Once the differences are known, the operator (or, as described later, the system110if in use in the system1) is able to take corrective action to vary the composition of the drilling mud to minimise or reduced to zero these differences.

Once the measurement cycle has been completed the controller40can be switched to a flushing cycle mode. In this mode the controller40controls the drilling fluid pump16ato operate in a reverse direction so as to pump the drilling fluid out of the housing10. Therefore, in the flushing cycle the port24is an inlet port and the port22is an outlet port. After the pump16ahas pumped out the drilling mud; or simultaneously with the pump16abeing operated to pump out the drilling mud; the controller40operates the flushing fluid pump16bto pump freshwater into the housing12. The flushing fluid is a liquid such as but not limited to water. Specifically, the pump16bpumps water from the external supply38via the hose36and through conduits26cand conduit26afilling the manifold28and the cup30until the controller40, using measurements from the flowmeter14mdetermines that cup30is full. The controller then stops the pump16band activates the viscometer14ato spin at 600 rpm for a period of time. After this time period the viscometer14ais stopped by controller40and subsequently the pump16ais run in reverse. Port24is now a suction port and port22is a delivery or discharge port. The fluid in the cup30and manifold28is emptied via conduit20into external supply18. This cleaning/flushing cycle may be repeated a number of times, such as but not limited to 2-4 times. After the last of the repeated cleaning cycles the pump16bfills manifold28and cup30and stops. This is done so that the probes14b-14fremain in a fluid whilst not being operated. The system10remains in this state up until a new measurement cycle starts. A new measurement cycle is started by running pump16ain reverse to empty cup30and manifold28into external supply18via conduit20.

The system10can be programmed to automatically conduct the measurement cycle and flushing cycles at regular intervals for example, but not limited to, every six hours, 12 hours or 24 hours.

FIG.2Bshows a second embodiment of the system10. In the description of this embodiment the same reference numbers are used to denote the same features as in the first embodiment shown inFIG.2A.

The system10shown inFIG.2Bis an enhancement of that shown inFIG.2Aand differs in terms of its structure and configuration only by the addition of a three-way valve43and a return pipe45. The three-way valve43is connected into the conduit26avia its ports P1and P3; and the return pipe45is connected to a port P2of the three-way valve45and the supply18. The valve43is in communication with the via the local communications network41.

The purpose of the return pipe45and three-way valve43is to modify the above described filling cycle to include a priming cycle in which drilling fluid is recirculated through the hose20, valve43pipe45act to the supply18. This minimises the risk of the drilling fluid being diluted prior to flowing into the cup30and manifold28due to the presence of water in the hose20remaining from a previous cleaning/flushing cycle. The recirculation is achieved by opening ports P1and P2; and closing P3on the valve43, placing the valve in a recycling state; while running the pump16ain the forward direction.

The duration of the priming cycle is dependent on the flow rate (i.e. the viscosity) of the drilling fluid and the length of the pipe20. After this period of time the controller40closes the port P2and opens the port P3(the port P1remaining open) allowing the drilling fluid to now flow through the flowmeter14m, manifold28and into the cup30. Here the valve43is in a flow through state. The controller40turns off the pump16awhen it determines that the cup30is filled to the predetermined level. This completes the fill cycle.

The controller40can now perform a measurement cycle taking readings from the viscometer14a, and other senses14b-14f. If desired, a second or indeed further measurement cycles can be performed without an intervening cleaning cycle. In this way multiple samples measurements can be made and averaged to minimise distortion of readings. To take multiple sample measurements, the controller40can be programmed to, after each measurement cycle, reverse the direction of the pump16ato pump fluid from the cup30and delivered back to the supply18. The pump is stopped, and the above cycle is restarted with the port P2being opened, port P3being closed and the pump16aoperated in the forward direction to recirculate the fluid through the pipe45back to the supply18for a predetermined period of time, after which the port P2is closed and the port P3opened to again fill the cup30. Now the second or any subsequent sample measurement can be taken and averaged with a measurement of the previous sample in the same sample set.

After the sample measurements(s) have been taken the controller is switched to a flushing cycle mode which operates to empty the drilling fluid from the housing and subsequently dean the cup30and senses14a-14f. While this is the same function as the flushing cycle mode described in relation to the first embodiment the specific method of operation is different. The steps are as follows:a. the pump16ais operated in a reverse direction with the ports P1and P3open and port P2closed so that fluid in the cup30and manifold28is drained back into the supply18, and the pump16ais stopped (this is in substance the same as in the first embodiment);b. the port P3on the valve43is closed and the pump16bis run to provide cleaning fluid such as water through the flowmeter14mto fill the manifold28and cup30;c. when the cup30is detected as being filled the viscometer14ais operated to spin for a period of time;d. after that period of time the pump16bis stopped, the ports P1and P3on the valve43are opened, the port P2is dosed, and the pump16ais run in the reverse direction to drain the cleaning fluid from the cup30and manifold28. Thus, the mud pump16ais also flushed in this step.

The above steps a) through to d) may be repeated one or more times to enhance the degree of cleaning. Irrespective of how many times the steps a) through to d) are cycled, as a final step the port P3can be closed and the pump16brun to fill the manifold28and cup30with clean water or other flushing fluid so that the sensors14a-14fremain wet prior to the next measurement cycle.

The embodiment of the mud measurement system10shown inFIG.2Bhas the same measurement devices14a-14fand is able to perform exactly the same measurements and determine the same characteristics of drilling mud, as the system10shown inFIG.2A.

FIG.2Cshows a second embodiment of the system10. In the description of this embodiment the same reference numbers are used to denote the same features as in the second embodiment shown inFIG.2B. For convenience the measurement devices14are not shown but are provided in the same manner as described above in relation to the embodiments inFIGS.2A and2B.

The substantive difference between the second embodiment shown inFIG.2Band the third embodiment shown inFIG.2Cis the replacement of the flushing fluid pump16ba second three-way valve47. The valve47is in the conduit20between the mud supply18and the port22of the pump16a. The valve47has a port P4in communication via a conduit20ato the port22of the pump16a. Thou47also has a port five Which communicates with the flushing fluid supply38for the conduit36; and a port P6the communicates with the drilling mud supply18via the conduit20.

The operation/fluid flow in the embodiment of the system shown inFIG.2Cis as follows.

To condition or prime the system to provide a representative batch sample of mud to the manifold28and cup30, in the valve43the ports P1and P2are open and the port P3is shut, while in valve47ports P4and P6are open and port P4is shut. The pump16acan now be operated in any direction which will cause a circulating flow of mud through the conduit20, valve47, pump16a, valve43, conduit45and the supply18.

To present a batch sample of mud from the supply18to the devices in the manifold28and cup30ports P1and P3of thou43are opened while the port P2is shut, and the ports P4and P6of thou47open while the port P5is shut. The pump is now run in a direction so that the port22is the suction or inlet port and the port24is the outlet port. This draws a sample of mud from the supply18through the conduit20, valve47, through the pump16a, the valve43and the flowmeter14mto the probe manifold28and the cup30.

In order to flush or clean the manifold28and cup30the port P2on the valve43is shut, the ports P1and P2are open; ports P4P5of thou47open while port P6is shut and the pump16ais operated in the same direction as before with the port22being the suction or inlet port and the port24the outlet port. Now cleaning fluid is drawn through the conduit36to the valve47, pump16a, valve43, flowmeter14mand to the manifold28and cup30. The pump stops when the flowmeter14mindicates that the cup30is filled to a predetermined level. The viscometer associated with the cup30can be operated at this time for cleaning purposes. The cleaning fluid can be now flushed or removed from the system by closing port P5, opening port P6and then operating the pump16ain a reverse direction so that port24becomes a suction port and port22the outlet port. The cleaning fluid is then expelled through the flowmeter14m, the valve43, the pump16aand the valve47through the conduit20to the supply18.

A communications facility enables the system10to transmit the measured mud properties and characteristics to a remote location, as well as to receive information including but not limited to prescribed mud present characteristics. The communications facility may be provided as an integral part of the system10and housed within the housing12. Alternately the separate communications module120shown inFIG.1can be connected to the system10to provide the same communications functionality.

The communication functionality whether provided as part of the system10or in the module120may be used to monitor the mud quality or appropriateness for the conditions at hand and enable feedback via a remote operator to the drill rig operators. Additionally, the information can be used for audit or inventory control purposes including for example to automatically arrange transport of additional supplies of mud ingredients if it is determined that the supply.

FIG.3shows the housing12as a case having a main compartment52and a hinged lid54. Inside the case is an upper sub compartment56having a door58. The controller40is in the upper sub compartment56with its display visible and user interface accessible thought an opening60in the door58. A lower sub compartment62houses the measurement devices14and the pump system16. A door (not shown) on the lower sub compartment52provides access to devices14and pump system16. Space within the main compartment52and outside of the sub-compartments56and62can be occupied by the mud density measurement system44on the hoses20and36.

Filtrate Measurement System70

FIG.4is a schematic representation of the filtrate measurement system70. The filtrate system70is operatively associated with the system1. The operative association can be by way of the system70being:a. a part of the system10and contained within the housing12and controlled by the controller40(in that event “filtrate measurement” would be an additional characteristic that could be measured and placed on the list of other characteristics measured by the devices14on page5above);b. a modular part of the system10where it is in its own housing but contained within the housing12and controlled by the controller40separate to the system10and contained with its own housing but connectable to system10(and thus the controller40), the communications module120, power module130, portable smart device140, and the hub150, as shown inFIG.1.

The filtrate measurement system70comprises a pump72to enable the pumping of a volume of the drilling fluid into a measurement cell74via conduits76aand76b. The measurement cell74is formed with a cylindrical container78. A base82of the measurement cell74has an opening covered by a filtering device such as a mesh screen or filter paper (not shown) leading to an outlet84. The outlet84feeds, via a conduit86, filtrate to a collection and measurement vessel88. A level sensor90senses the volume of mud within the measurement cell74. The level sensor92measures the level or volume of filtrate collected in the vessel88.

An arrangement of the solenoid valves89,91and93is associated with the pump72and the cell74. The solenoid valve89is controllable to open and close the fluid conduit76athat provides fluid communication between a sample of mud and the pump72. The solenoid valve91is controllable to open and close a conduit76cthat provides fluid communication between a supply of a cleaning or flushing fluid and the pump72. The solenoid93is controllable to open and close the conduit76benabling fluid pumped from the outlet of pump72to flow into the cell74. A flowmeter95is in line between the valve93and the cell74to measure the volume of fluid flowing into the cell74. The flowmeter95can be used in conjunction with the sensor90to enable determination of the volume of fluid within the cell74. In one embodiment the flowmeter95can provide the primary indication of level with the sensor90used for redundancy or verification.

The filtrate measurement system70also includes a pressure system94which is arranged to apply pressure to the top of the container78thereby causing the fluid component of the mud within the cell74to flow through the filtering device, the outlet84and the conduit86into the vessel88. Pressure system94comprises a pressurizing solenoid96, a pressure relief solenoid98and compressed gas conduits100,102, and104. The conduit100is in fluid communication with a supply of compressed gas101such as, hut not limited to, air, nitrogen or carbon dioxide. Flow of the compressed gas to the conduit102, and subsequently to the cell74is controlled by the pressurizing solenoid96. The pressure of the compressed gas can be selectively relieved by operation of the pressure relief solenoid98which is in fluid communication with the conduit102via a conduit104.

To begin a measurement of the filtrate the valves89and93opened, valve91is closed and the pump72is run to pump mud into the cell74. When the level of mud reaches a prescribed level the sensor90sends a signal to the controller40which in turn turns off the pump72. To provide filtrate measurements the valve93is closed and the pressurizing system94is now operated. The solenoid96is opened and the solenoid98is closed. Pressurized gas flows through the conduit100and conduit102to apply pressure to the mud within the cell74which is forced through the filtering device and flows through the conduits84and86into the vessel88. The filtering device will have a particular mesh or pore size to prevent the passage of oversized particles. The level sensor92determines the volume of filtrate collected in the vessel88. This is used as an indication of the rate of volume loss of the fluid component of the mud, i.e. a measure of the amount of fluid loss in a borehole. Mudcake built up on the filter device can also be collected for analysis for various properties such as thickness, toughness, slickness and permeability.

After measuring the volume of filtrate, the cell74is depressurised. This involves closing the solenoid96to shut off fluid communication between a supply of compressed gas and the cell74; and opening the pressure relief solenoid98.

Opening the solenoid98vents the compressed gas above the piston82to atmosphere. A cleaning cycle is now performed in which the cell74is filled with clean water and cleaned using an ultrasonic probe. This is achieved by closing the valve89, opening the valves91and93and operating the pump72to pump fluid into the cell74. The contents of the cell74is then dumped and the filtrate measurement system70is now ready for reuse. The filtrate in the vessel88can be subsequently emptied via a conduit103and valve105.

Mud Dosing and Mixing System110

The automated mud dosing and mixing system110communicates with respective supplies (not shown) of different components of the drilling mud. The supplies feed the components of the mud by respective chutes to a mixing vessel (not shown). The system110is also in communication with the systems10and70. The systems10and70provide information to the controller40regarding the characteristics and properties of the mud. If the controller40or a mud engineer at a remote location which receives data from the system10decides that the mud is not to specification the system110can be commanded to change the composition of the mud for example by increasing or otherwise changing the concentration of one or more components/chemicals in the mud with a view to bringing the mud within specification.

When the controller40is preloaded with the mud specifications and the measurements indicate that the mud is outside of the specifications the controller40is able to automatically control the dosing system to bring the mud back within specification. However, if the controller40is not preloaded with the mud specifications or there is a perceived need to change the mud specifications, a mud engineer or other operator at a remote location can provide appropriate commands by the communication system120either via the controller40or directly to the mud dosing and mixing system110to vary the concentration of, or otherwise add, one or more of the mud components. In yet a thither variation a database or artificial intelligence system is provided at the remote location with sufficient information and/or intelligence and processing capability to provide the mud specifications to the drilling location via the communication system120.

In addition to the automated dosing described above manual dosing is also contemplated to allow a local operator, either using their own knowledge for troubleshooting, or at the direction of a remote mud engineer, to vary the mud composition by manually adding a component or ingredient that is not already available through the supply of components and ingredients. In this circumstance mud management system1is provided with an interface, for example through a keypad coupled to the controller40, to enable a local operator to enter data relating to the newly added component or ingredient. In this way the information pertaining to the mud composition is always maintained. This data will be communicated automatically by the communication system120a remote location.

After the dosing system is being operated either automatically or manually the mud measurement system10can be run through a test cycle to conduct measurements of the characteristics and properties of the dosed mud to verify that it falls within the desired specification. This test cycle is identical to a normal measurement cycle. However, the mud management system10may be programmed to provide feedback control to automatically activate the dosing system to add further components or ingredients to the mud where the results of the test cycle show that the mud is outside of specification. The feedback control well automatically operated to dose and test the mud until the mud within the desired specification.

The drilling mud management system1may also include an inventory control system which keeps a record of use of the mud ingredients by the dosing system and sends a message via the communications system120to a remote location for ordering and delivering the mud components/chemicals to the drilling location. The ordering can be performed automatically by the communications system120sending instructions to a supplier or by a mud engineer or other operator who receives the message via the communications system120and then orders the required mud components/chemicals for delivery to the drilling location. The inventory control system may be a part of the dosing system or a standalone system. When the inventory control system is a stand-alone system it may be at the remote location and realised as a software application which receives data from the communication system120relating to the use of the mud components by the dosing system.

Communications Module120

The communications module120provides one or more communications facilities to enable bidirectional flow of data, information, and messaging between a drill rig operator and one or more remote locations; as well as to enable a mud engineer or other operator to exert remote control over one or more of the mud measurement system10, the filtrate measurement system70, and the mud dosing and mixing system110. This therefore enables remote mud management using locally measured mud characteristics and properties. The communications facilities provided by the communications module120include any one or a combination of at least the following:a. LTE cellular communication Failover to satellite M2M communication;b. Wi-Fi communication ⋅ TCP/IP LAN communication Power Module130. The power module130may include any one, or any combination of two or more of the following power facilities/sources/inputs:c. Drill rig fused 24 volt DC supplyd. Solar power 24 volt DC supplye. Auxiliary power 220-240 volt AC or 110 volt AC supplyf. 24 volt battery packg. Fuel cellh. Wind turbine

The power module also includes one or more power outlets or connectors to enable power supply to the powered components and sub-systems of the system1. The outlet may supply power at the same or different voltages, current and frequencies. In the presently illustrated embodiment of the system1the power module130and the communications module120are shown as separate modules. However, in an alternate embodiment they can be housed in a common housing or case and transported or otherwise moved together and simultaneously coupled to other modules and subsystems of the system1.

Portable Smart Device140

The portable smart device140may include one or more of a local PC, tablet, or smart phone. The device140is connectable to the communications module120to enable communication with other components of the system one including the mud management system10, the filtrate measurement system70and the mud dosing and mixing system110. In this way for example data and other information from the systems10,70and110can be viewed by an operator using a portable smart device140in say a cab of a drill rig or in an on-site hut. The operator may also use the portable smart device142issue commands to or otherwise control one of the systems10,70and110.

While embodiments of the disclosed system and method have been described above it would be apparent that other variations or modifications are possible. For example, the mud measurement system may incorporate additional or less measurement devices than those specifically described herein. Also, to assist in consistency of measurement results the mud measurement system may incorporate a mud sample temperature control facility arranged to heat or cool a sample of mud to a

predetermined temperature prior to making measurements of the characteristics or properties of the mud. This may be particularly, but not exclusively, useful for measurements made on oil-based muds. Additionally or alternately, the system may be arranged to record the temperature of the mud at the time of making the measurements of its characteristics and properties. Also, while the housing12as described above in one embodiment as being in the form of a shape and configuration of piece of check in luggage for an aircraft, the housing12may be in the form of a trailer that can be towed behind a mobile drill rig or other vehicle. Indeed, the mud management system1inclusive of the mud management system10is or can be a mobile system that is mounted on a trailer or powered vehicle. In one embodiment the entire mud management system

comprising the mud measurement system10, filtrate measurement system70, mud dosing and mixing system110, communications module120, the power module130, the supply of mud components/chemicals and supply of cleaning/flushing fluid38is a mobile and/or portable unit such as for example being mounted on a trailer or powered vehicle.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” and variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features hut not to preclude the presence or addition of further features of the systems and methods as disclosed herein.