MUD LOGGING Technical Data Sheet

LS08

Cuttings Flow Meter

For continuous monitoring of the volume and flow rate of rock cuttings exiting a well. Hole cleaning information for difficult wells (extended reach, horizontal ... ) Detection of wellbore instability Detection of caving Optimisation of hole cleaning procedures

CUTTINGS FLOW METER

Description
The Cuttings Flow Meter (CFM) is capable of operating reliably in one of the harshest environments on a rig, the shale shaker area. It is a rugged piece of equipment designed to fit most shale shakers and can readily cope with extreme climatic conditions. The CFM consists of a chassis with a collection tray and a discharge system. It also includes a pneumatic control module and a strain gauge.

The information monitored in real-time from the data given by the CFM and used by the ALS data base is: the cumulative cuttings weight the cumulative cuttings volume the cuttings flow rate in volume against time the cuttings flow rate in volume against lagged depth interval - the ratio between the measured cuttings flow rate and the increase in hole volume

Installation
A CFM is mounted in front of each shale shaker with its gutter-shaped tray positioned to catch the cuttings as they fall off the screen. The equipment is installed in complete conformity with safety regulations and in such a way that it does not obstruct access to the shale-shakers.

Principles
The device is pneumatically controlled, powered by the rig air supply and operates according to an adjustable, preset cycle. The tray is locked by means of a clamp cylinder during measurement of the increase in weight. After a preset period, the tray flops from the horizontal position to vertical to discharge the wet cuttings and then returns to the horizontal to continue the measurement from the next positive increment in weight.

Two views showing the installation of the Cuttings Flow Meter in front of the shale shaker.

Operation
Each CFM delivers its measurements in real-time. These measurements are used by the ALS to compute the cumulative weight of wet cuttings and its associated flow rate. The coating of mud on cuttings has been found to vary considerably so a correction factor, the Equivalent Dry Cuttings Ratio (EDCR), is applied so that correction for this variation can be made as drilling progresses. The wet cuttings weight is thus converted into an equivalent volume of dry cuttings which can be compared to the theoretical volume of formation drilled at any time.

Log versus time : Reciprocating pipe; log displaying a close relation between torque and cuttings evacuation on surface.

Log versus time : a change in drilling activity from sliding to rotary drilling, then circulation for hole cleaning. This log was used to visualise : - the critical angle of cuttings accumulation; - the synchronisation between cuttings arrival on surface and hook movement.

Monitoring hole cleaning as circulation proceeds

CUTTINGS FLOW METER

Comparison of the theoretical weight of rock drilled and the weight of cuttings recovered, giving the weight deficit, or equivalent quantity of cuttings left in the hole.

Specifications
Length Width Height Minimum free space required under shaker Weight Paddle volume Air supply
1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) 0.46 m (1 ft 6 in) paddle down : paddle up : 0.30 m (1 ft) 70 kg (150 lb) 15 litres (3.96 gal) 5 bar minimum (75 psi) 0.94 m (3 ft 1 in) 0.89 m (2 ft 11 in)

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700.AN.208

Copyright Geoservices 1999. All rights reserved, no unauthorised reproduction. Characteristics and specifications may change without notice. 08/99