US4408486A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Bell nipple densitometer method and apparatus
Assignee: Monarch Logging Co Inc
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Filing: 1982-09-30
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Granted: 1983-10-11
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Expires: 2002-09-30
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for continuously determining the amount of entrained gasses and drilling fluid before the entrained gas is released to the atmosphere whereby differential pressures at vertically spaced locations in a bell nipple are monitored to determine changes in the weight of drilling fluid due to entrained gasses.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert W. Rochon
- 👤 Joe W. Sneed, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 11:57
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B21/00; E21B21/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
89 words
A method for continuously determining the amount of entrained gas in drilling fluid before the entrained gas is released to the atmosphere comprising the steps of: flowing drilling fluid through the borehole; continuously monitoring changes in the pressure of the drilling fluid at vertically spaced locations in a bell nipple connected with the borehole before any entrained gases are released to the atmosphere; and displaying changes in the differential pressures at the vertically spaced locations to determine changes in the weight of the drilling fluid due to entrained gases.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
89 words
A method for continuously determining the amount of entrained gas in drilling fluid before the entrained gas is released to the atmosphere comprising the steps of: flowing drilling fluid through the borehole; continuously monitoring changes in the pressure of the drilling fluid at vertically spaced locations in a bell nipple connected with the borehole before any entrained gases are released to the atmosphere; and displaying changes in the differential pressures at the vertically spaced locations to determine changes in the weight of the drilling fluid due to entrained gases.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
84 words
A method used during the drilling of a well for continuously determining the density of drilling fluid in a bell nipple below the flow line before entrained gas is released to the atmosphere comprising the steps of: continuously monitoring differential pressure caused by changes in the density of the drilling fluid at vertically spaced locations below the flow line in the bell nipple; and displaying changes in the differential pressure to determine changes in the weight of the drilling fluid due to entrained gasses.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
84 words
A method used during the drilling of a well for continuously determining the density of drilling fluid in a bell nipple below the flow line before entrained gas is released to the atmosphere comprising the steps of: continuously monitoring differential pressure caused by changes in the density of the drilling fluid at vertically spaced locations below the flow line in the bell nipple; and displaying changes in the differential pressure to determine changes in the weight of the drilling fluid due to entrained gasses.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method as set forth in claim 2, wherein: the step of continuously monitoring includes monitoring at space locations in the bell nipple on the order of 8.35 inches apart.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
105 words
An apparatus connected to a bell nipple below the flow line for continuously determining the density of a drilling fluid before the entrained gas is released to the atmosphere, comprising: first and second vertically spaced monitoring means connected with the bell nipple for sensing differential pressure changes caused by changes in the density of drilling fluid before exiting the bore hole through a flow line in the bell nipple and any entrained gasses are released to the atmosphere; and means for displaying the changes in the differential pressure to continuously determine the weight of the drilling fluid immediately prior to exiting from the well bore.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
105 words
An apparatus connected to a bell nipple below the flow line for continuously determining the density of a drilling fluid before the entrained gas is released to the atmosphere, comprising: first and second vertically spaced monitoring means connected with the bell nipple for sensing differential pressure changes caused by changes in the density of drilling fluid before exiting the bore hole through a flow line in the bell nipple and any entrained gasses are released to the atmosphere; and means for displaying the changes in the differential pressure to continuously determine the weight of the drilling fluid immediately prior to exiting from the well bore.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 4 wherein: said first and second vertically spaced monitoring means each including a pipe extending into the bell nipple connected to the said displaying means; and an air supply means provided for flowing air to each pipe.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-10-10 | 1987-04-11 | 1987-10-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-10-10 | 1991-04-11 | 1991-10-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-10-10 | 1995-04-11 | 1995-10-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |